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Chiefs camp buzz | Clark Hunt likes 18-game schedule

NFL owners are scheduled to discuss and possibly vote next week on implementing an 18-game schedule starting in 2012, and Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said he’s inclined to vote in favor of it.

“It’s such a positive for the fans,” said Hunt, who attended the last two days of training camp. “We’ve all seen over the last half-dozen years that the interest in the preseason games has decreased, and the athletes are better conditioned now, they practice year-round, and I think making the switch to 18 and two (preseason) games might be a positive for everybody involved.”

Because a 16-game season already takes a toll on players, Hunt said in exchange for playing two more games, the league may approve increases in roster sizes and in the number of players who can dress on game day.

A change in the number of games would require approval by the NFL Players Association and would be part of the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the current deal that expires next March.

While there’s been little progress to get a new agreement, Hunt said, “I feel confident that a deal will get done. I can’t predict when.”

A successful camp

The Chiefs wrapped up their first training camp at Missouri Western on Thursday, after moving it from Wisconsin-River Falls. Both parties called it a total success.

“I think it exceeded our expectations,” said Missouri Western athletic director Dave Williams. “With this big of a project, you’d think you’d have more things come up that we weren’t ready for, and I felt we were ready for most of the things that we saw.

“The overall attendance is going to be about 60,000 for the entire camp, and with all the heat we had and being the first year, that’s a pretty good number. As the Chiefs continue to improve their win-loss record, and the word spreads about what a good experience it is, I expect it to keep growing.”

Williams said the benefits for Missouri Western were both tangible and intangible.

“The obvious thing is what’s up on the hill,” Williams said of the new indoor practice facility for which the Chiefs contributed $10 million. “But what I see the most is all the positive publicity we’ve received in the Kansas City market. You cannot put a price tag on the number of positive mentions we’ve had (in the media). That could do wonders for us as a university, hopefully with enrollment, with matriculation … the facility improvements are dramatic, and helps every one of our sports.”

Chiefs head coach Todd Haley echoed Williams’ sentiments.

“I couldn’t have been happier with the entire operation, especially for the first time going through it,” Haley said. “My hat goes off to all the people involved, especially the guys here that got this place ready and had it running like we’d been here for years.

“Also, I want to thank all the fans that have come out here and were able to get to know the players and the team a little more and provided us with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. It’s been just a terrific, terrific experience.”

Open practice at Arrowhead

The Chiefs are hosting a free evening practice session open to the public at Arrowhead Stadium at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. Fans will be able to not only watch the Chiefs on the field but explore the new features of the renovated stadium.

Gates will open at 6:15 for the practice session, and fans can enter through any spiral gate, the Tower Gate and Founder’s Plaza Gate entrances. Parking will be free.

What you need to know about …

THE OFFENSE

The Chiefs practiced in helmets, shells and shorts, so there was no real hitting or scrimmaging. They worked a lot on goal-line and inside-the-20 situations. Backup quarterback Bill Stull hooked up with rookie tight end Leroy Banks for a couple of touchdowns from inside the 5. Rookie tight end Tony Moeaki caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Palko but appeared to false start before the snap. Palko connected with Lance Long for a touchdown from inside the 20. Palko threw a nice fade into the corner to Verran Tucker.

THE DEFENSE

In seven-on-seven drills, cornerback Brandon Carr made a nice move in breaking up a pass intended for Chris Chambers. On a play from inside the 10, cornerback Mike Richardson made a leaping interception on a pass Stull intended for Long. Rookie linebacker John Russell intercepted a pass in traffic thrown by Palko. The Chiefs also worked on onside kicks and receiving onside kicks.

INJURY REPORT

Quarterback Brodie Croyle, running back Kestahn Moore, guard Darryl Harris and safety Jon McGraw did not participate in practice. Safety Jarrad Page remains unsigned and is not in camp. Wide receiver Terrance Copper appeared to be getting some treatment on his right arm at the end of practice.

DAILY BATTLE

Veterans Mike Cox and Tim Castille are competing for the No. 1 fullback spot, and there’s no guarantee the club will keep two fullbacks on the active roster. Cox is running with the starting unit for now as a lead blocker for Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles but seldom touches the ball. Castille, who carried 14 times and caught four passes in seven games after joining the Chiefs in mid-November, has better skills with the ball. Both are effective special-teams players. This will come down to the wire.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

The Chiefs will have a walkthrough today and then depart for Tampa Bay, where they’ll meet the Buccaneers on Saturday night.