Chiefs training camp observations: Drue Tranquill kicks the physicality up a notch with preseason approaching

After several consecutive days of unbearable heat, the Kansas City Chiefs were gifted with a cool and overcast day at practice.

There was no threat of rain or thunderstorms, which means no threat of practice moving indoors. The cooler conditions, however, made for a really enjoyable practice session for players, staff, fans, and media in attendance.

What were among the chief observations from Day 14 of training camp? Let's dive in. . .

Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill kicks things up a notch ahead of preseason Week 1

With preseason Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars just days away, Drue Tranquill really seemed to be finding his stride during practice. His physicality certainly popped out today more than any other practice session. It started with another 1-on-1 pass protection drill against Isiah Pacheco, which saw both players in a near gridlock.

Both celebrated as if they won the rep after the play, only adding to the growing competition between the star players.

Later, Tranquill had what I would describe as the biggest hit of training camp during my stay in St. Joe. During 7-on-7, Noah Gray caught a quick pass across the middle of the field. Tranquill hit Gray so hard that he fell on his back and the ball popped out on the play. You could hear a loud thunk when the pads collided.

Finally, Tranquill had one of my favorite plays during 11-on-11. He broke up a beautiful pass from Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce with tight coverage on No.87. After the play, Kelce celebrated Tranquill's PBU with him in what was a great display of sportsmanship between offensive and defensive teammates after yesterday's minor scuffle.

Tranquill's elevated play isn't just something observed by media members. Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo sees that he's much more comfortable in his role. It's helping elevate his own play, but also the play of those around him.

"Yeah, he's, he's been terrific," Spagnuolo said. "He kind of elevates all of the competition, I think on both sides of the ball. He loves football. He loves being out there. I mean, I saw glimpses of it last year, but when you knew it's your first year, you know, you try to feel your way through but he's been great."

Injury and absence updates from Chiefs training camp on Tuesday

The Chiefs saw DT Derrick Nnadi back on the practice field in full pads and a helmet on Tuesday, which means that he passed his physical and was removed from the active/PUP list. He got some work in during the start of practice before eventually taking off his pads and working individually for the remainder of the day. We'll see how much work he gets during what's expected to be an abbreviated practice on Wednesday.

Chris Jones (shoulder), Kelvin Joseph (hamstring), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness), and Nick Bolton (elbow) didn't practice. Justin Reid, Charles Omenihu, and BJ Thompson remain on injury lists and absent from practice.

Kadarius Toney (ankle) was back out there for the second consecutive practice session, but he left practice early for what seemed like a non-medical issue. He worked exclusively with the third-team offense during the earliest team periods.

Jaylen Watson (shoulder) shed his yellow non-contact jersey and returned to the starting lineup on the defensive side of the ball with no limitations.

Veteran D-Lineman first man off the bench in Chris Jones' absence

Chiefs DT Tershawn Wharton was the first player off the bench to replace Chris Jones in the starting defense during team periods. A year further removed from injury, Wharton looks quick and stout at the point of attack. He had some strong moments during team drills, and he got DL coach Joe Cullen as animated as I've seen him at camp after blowing up a run play during 9-on-7 drills.

During 1-on-1 drills, Wharton's rushes showcased some renewed burst and a strong first step, which made it hard on players like Mike Caliendo and CJ Hanson. Genuinely, Wharton looks to have taken a step forward this year, which is good news with Chris Jones dealing with a groin injury and now a shoulder injury at training camp.

Quick hitters

• A third consecutive day with Jon Gruden out at Chiefs training camp practices.
• Hunter Nourzad had perhaps his best day during OL/DL 1-on-1 drills. Played with a strong base and didn't allow anyone past him.
• Lord help any team that allows WR Xavier Worthy a free release. The Chiefs are also consistently working on ways to schematically give him a free release off the line of scrimmage.
• Hollywood Brown's one-handed grab over CB Keith Taylor in 1-on-1's was one of the more impressive plays during that period.
• George Karlaftis notched another pass-batted on Tuesday. He seems to be leading the way in that stat category at training camp.
• Felix Anudike-Uzomah had some nice repetitions during 1-on-1 drills showcasing his speed and counter moves.
• Mecole Hardman and Montrell Washington had two of my favorite catches of the day, both with the second-team offense. Hardman held onto the ball through hard contact from Tyree Gillespie. Washington caught an outstretched pass from Carson Wentz between Christian Roland-Wallace and Deon Bush.
• Second-year LB Cam Jones got some opportunities with the first-team defense during 9-on-7 drills.
• I haven't noticed much from Keontay Ingram so far during training camp. He had a pass come his way during 1-on-1's where he had three steps on his defender, but the throw was too long for him.
• Baylor Cupp might be the team's best pass-blocking tight end, but he has stone hands. I counted two dropped passes and a catch that he failed to hang onto through contact during practice on Tuesday.
• Chris Oladokun had one of the worst practices of his time at training camp. He threw a pick-six to Keith Taylor during 7-on-7. He also forced a fumble on. . . himself, when he stumbled on a scramble during 11-on-11. The defense recovered.
  
• New Chiefs TE Geor'Quarius Spivey had a really solid day. His size makes him hard for DBs and linebackers to defend and he has really strong hands.

Related: Chiefs training camp observations Day 13: Cornerbacks finally getting over on speedy receiver corps