(Sports Network) -
REPORT DATE: July 26th
SITE: Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO
CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Chiefs will be installing a different offense after
hiring former Browns and Dolphins coordinator Brian Daboll as the new play-
caller in February, but the team is hoping to stay out of the trainer's room
more than anything else when it convenes for camp. ACL tears to three
cornerstone members -- dynamic running back Jamaal Charles, strong safety Eric
Berry and tight end Tony Moeaki -- in the first two weeks of last season were
critical factors in Kansas City's diminished 2011 win total from the previous
year, while quarterback Matt Cassel missed seven games after breaking his hand
in November. Charles, Berry and Moeaki will all be eased into practices as a
precaution, while starting free safety Kendrick Lewis may miss some time as
well after tearing his pectorals in January. Top wide receiver Dwayne Bowe
will need to get up to speed in digesting Daboll's system after sitting out
all offseason workouts in hopes of earning a contract extension, but
counterpart Jonathan Baldwin -- the team's No. 1 pick in 2011 -- got rave
reviews for his minicamp performances and can stake a claim to an increased
role if he continues to progress in the summer. Getting an offensive line that
will have two new starters -- young center Rodney Hudson and free-agent right
tackle Eric Winston -- to come together will also be on the agenda, while the
battle between ex-Chief Brady Quinn and 2011 fifth-rounder Ricky Stanzi for
the backup quarterback job will be one to watch come preseason. This year's
first-round selection, defensive lineman Dontari Poe, is expected to be an
immediate starter at nose tackle, but was as of yet unsigned in the days
leading up to the first practice.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
Aug. 10 - vs. Arizona, 8 p.m.
Aug. 18 - at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Aug. 24 - vs. Seattle, 8 p.m.
Aug. 30 - at Green Bay, 7 p.m.
The Sports Network