Morning Practice Update 8/10

From River Falls, Wisconsin

Rookie RB Dantrell Savage’s chances of making the final 53-man roster were not good heading into training camp.  But they’ve improved after his performance last week against Chicago in the pre-season opener.

One way he can earn a spot would be as the team’s returner on both kickoffs and punts.  He did the kickoffs last week and now the Chiefs are working him as a punt returner.  He field punts Sunday morning as the Chiefs went through a special teams session.

“We want to give him a chance on punts, to see how he handles them, see how comfortable he is,” said Herm Edwards.  “If we are going to keep somebody as a returner, he’s got to do both.”

Savage looked fairly comfortable catching Dustin Colquitt’s kicks.  That’s not always easy because the Chiefs punter is one of the best in the league at hitting his kicks with different spins and the like.  Savage did have one that went right through his arms, hit him in the stomach and landed on the ground.

There were 56 players out for the workout as the Chiefs practiced punt returns and punt coverage, kickoff returns and kick coverage.  Here are the units.  Remember, special teams is where the guys make the roster for the spots from 30 to 53.

Kickoff return first unit: DaJuan Morgan, Wes Dacus, LeRue Rumph, J.P. Foschi, E.J. Kuale and Tyron Brackenridge on he front line.  T.J. Jackson, Wade Smith and Turk McBride as the wedge. Rashard Barksdale and Jamaal Charles first return duo.

Kickoff return second unit: Brandon Carr, Steve Octavien, Demorrio Williams, Mike Cox, Chris Manderino and Brandon Flowers upfront. Tank Tyler, Herb Taylor and Oliver Hoyte in the wedge. Maurice Leggett and Dantrell Savage as the second return group.

Punt coverage first team: The outside flyers were Dimitri Patterson and Tyron Brackenridge.  Inside were Jarrad Page, E.J. Kuale, Jackie Battle, Mike Cox, Derrick Johnson, Pat Thomas, Demorrio Williams and punter Dustin Colquitt.

Punt coverage second team: Brandon Carr and Maurice Leggett as the outside flyers. Insider were DaJuan Morgan, LeRue Rumph, J.P. Foschi, Wes Dacus, Chris Manderino, Steve Octavien, Oliver Hoyte and Turk McBride.

Kick coverage first unit: Dimitri Patterson, Will Franklin, E.J. Kuale, Wes Dacus, Steve Octavien, DaJuan Morgan, Chris Manderino, LeRue Rumph, Rashard Barkdsdale and Tyron Brackenridge, plus the kicker.

Kick coverage second unit: Bobby Sippio, J.P. Foschi, Turk McBride, Maurice Price, Brandon Carr, Oliver Hoyte, Jason Parker, Jamaal Charles, Brian Johnston and Maurice Leggett.

Punt return first unit: Tyron Brackenridge, Maurice Leggett, DaJuan Morgan, Brandon Flowers, Bernard Pollard, E.J. Kuale, Wes Dacus, T.J. Jackson, Turk McBride, Demorrio Williams and a returner.  Working on punt returns were B.J. Sams and Savage.

The Chiefs will have a full practice this afternoon.