ChiefsPlanet - Chiefs Chiefs Notebook | Branden Albert has to wait a day to practice in pads

Chiefs Notebook | Branden Albert has to wait a day to practice in pads

Albert has to wait a day

Offensive tackle Branden Albert was not allowed to practice in pads on Sunday because of a stipulation in the new collective-bargaining agreement.

Albert missed the Friday morning walkthrough because of a family situation, and the new rules require a player to be in camp for a three-day period before he is able to practice in pads. Sunday afternoon was the Chiefs’ first day in pads.

“The emphasis is on player safety,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “One of the things in the CBA is that you have an acclimation period before you get the pads on. When a guy is not here, you don’t know exactly what he’s doing, so when he gets here, you give him three days and give him a chance to acclimate himself and then you put the pads on and go.”

Albert, who will be in a contract year this season, pronounced himself ready to go.

“I feel pretty good,” Albert said.

“I feel like we’re coming along and the team is working hard. I’m just happy to be back around my teammates again, and I’m ready to fight.”

One other player, defensive back Jacques Reeves, has been granted permission to attend to a family situation, and once he reports, he’ll have to spend three days in shorts before practicing in pads.

Rodney Hudson starts at center

The Chiefs broke their first huddle of full practice with second-year man Rodney Hudson as the starting center in place of retired veteran Casey Wiegmann.

“I need to see that he can handle the offense and make the calls, the (inside linebacker) identifications,” Crennel said. “And I need to see that he can block big guys on his nose and be able to reach guys who are offset and then be able to pass-protect, because he’s right there in the middle of the pocket.

“Bodywise, he’s got the body, and I think he’s got the right frame of mind. He’s got one of those offensive-lineman mentalities. So far, I think he’s done a good job, and I think he’ll continue to do a good job.”

Tune in early

NFL Network will launch a weekday, four-hour morning show, “NFL AM,” at 5 a.m. today.

The show, based in Culver City, Calif., will feature anchors and analysts who will report and debate NFL news, and examine the personalities that play the game.

Today’s premiere edition was to include interviews with New York Jets coach Rex Ryan and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and a fantasy football roundtable.