Baldwin back on sideline after fight with teammate
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
With his injured right thumb heavily wrapped, rookie Jonathan Baldwin worked with other injured players off to the side at Chiefs practice Sunday.
Baldwin at one point played catch with fellow wide receiver Steve Breaston. Baldwin both caught the ball and tossed it left-handed.
Baldwin was injured during a fight last week with running back Thomas Jones and didn’t accompany the Chiefs to Baltimore for last week’s preseason game against the Ravens.
He wasn’t in the locker room during the media interview period after practice.
Coach Todd Haley again said he wouldn’t discuss the incident between Baldwin and Jones.
“Most everything that happens within these walls is family business,” Haley said. “That’s the best thing for our team. To become a real good team, I think you need to have those areas that are off-limits. Certain things and areas are going to continue to stay family business.”
Houston’s big night
The Chiefs were encouraged by the play of rookie linebacker Justin Houston in Friday night’s loss to the Ravens. He forced a fumble on a Baltimore punt return early in the game that set up a Chiefs field goal.
He later had two sacks, perhaps the best news of all for a team looking for pass-rush help to complement Tamba Hali.
“I thought he showed real progress through the week and then into the game,” coach Todd Haley said.
Houston said, “I still need to improve on getting to the quarterback. I’m nowhere near where I need to be. I’m expecting more out of myself. I’m never satisfied.”
Practice tent popular
The Chiefs have a tent adjacent to their practice field where injured players can receive treatment. It also a spot where those who have overheated can cool off.
Hali and Branden Albert took advantage of the tent Sunday, both apparently needing relief from the heat.
Hali sat for a time in the tent before moving into the air-conditioned comfort of the locker room.
Albert remained in the tent until practice concluded.
Both players appeared fine in the locker room after practice.
THE OFFENSE
Jerheme Urban got behind Javier Arenas and Jon McGraw and caught a deep post pattern from Tyler Palko. … Tight end Jake O’Connell limped off the field early during practice and didn’t return.
THE DEFENSE
Arenas made the most spectacular play during a seven-on-seven passing drill. He came around Dexter McCluster and deflected a Ricky Stanzi pass. But instead of knocking the ball to the ground, Arenas deflected it into the air and caught it. … Eric Berry broke up a pass for Jamaal Charles by going around Charles and getting a hand on the ball.
INJURY REPORT
Wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, offensive linemen Jared Gaither, Ryan O’Callaghan and Darryl Harris, nose tackle Anthony Toribio and linebackers Eric Bakhtiari and Gabe Miller did not practice.
THE DAILY BATTLE
The Chiefs will have some difficult roster decisions at safety. After starters Berry and Kendrick Lewis and top substitute McGraw, three players — Sabby Piscitelli, Reshard Langford and Donald Washington — are battling for one or perhaps two roster spots. How the three fare on special teams could determine the winner. Piscitelli, a former starter with Tampa Bay, has the most experience, but that may not matter.
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
The team will practice this afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium. It is closed to the public.
86 Sunday’s high temperature in Kansas City; today’s expected high is 90
69 Yards for the Chiefs’ preseason rushing leader, Jackie Battle
5 Pass receptions for the Chiefs’ preseason leader, also Battle
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