Fans, players get ready for first night practice of camp - KCTV5

The Chiefs are about to wrap up their first week at training camp and Tuesday night it's a bonus for players as well as fans as they get ready for a night practice.

It is a big night for both the players and the fans – they get to forget about the heat and the sun because Tuesday night's game is under the lights.

"It's just a normal practice," Head Coach Romeo Crennel said of what fans will see when players suit up under the lights.

But what coaches will be looking for are guys stepping up in the spotlight, guys like Dexter McCluster. It's a big camp for McCluster, who said he still hadn't hit his peak yet.

"I know what I'm capable of - I'm a very humble guy, a very patient guy and it always happens so I have to be ready when it happens, you know, and a lot of people asking when us going to happen? You know what, I'll be there and I hope you are there when it happens," McCluster, the Chiefs RB/WR/KR, said.

"In the end zone. All of those positions that he plays, he makes a contribution. He can help the team so I think that's how you look at it - if he can help the team, you play him there," Crennel said when asked where he likes McCluster best.

McCluster is a part of what Chiefs QB Matt Cassel believed is the best offense he's had since he came to Kansas City.

"There is no doubt this is the best personnel group that we've had since we've been here in Kansas City. Now it's also about us coming together as an offense unit. You never know until you get out there and start going how you will mesh but, like I said before, I think we're moving in the right direction, making progress and guys are stepping up," Cassel said.

Defensively, the only big concern right now is depth. Linebacker Brandon Siler tweaked his ankle Monday, but their head coach said he was surprised to see him back out on the field Tuesday.

"That surprised me. They were resting him yesterday and he was in crutches, then today he was moving around like a spring chicken," Crennel said.

Usually the first night practice of training camp is the busiest for the Missouri Western University.

"It's going to be great, I can't wait for the night practice. During the day it's been 100 degrees so we'll be running all over tonight," Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson said.

Players said there's nothing like getting out of the sun and holding a night practice.

"It's great to get out there for a night practice. I think being in that environment, it creates a little bit of excitement and gives a good break from the day heat. But also being in front of our fans, the fans have been great - it's been 106 out here and we've had great attendance and it's also been awesome to have these guys out here cheering for us," Cassel said.

"I think that might be a good thing for those guys and to work at night a little bit and, you know, in the pre-season we play at night so this will be a good experience for them, especially the young guys," Crennel said.

Fans shouldn't look for a lot of time in Tuesday night's practice from Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry - Crennel said they might limit their reps somewhat while practicing in the stadium Tuesday night.

"Jamaal, Tony and Berry - how many reps do you give them on the turf, you know? We might limit their reps, but everyone else should be out there," Crennel said.

As for Cassel, he said he's excited about a night practice, saying the team needs to get as much work done as possible during the night practice.

"The more time you get out here, the better off you are by the time you get to the season because it's the practice, the grind, it's the rapport you build with receivers, tight ends, and also the camaraderie that you build with your teammates," he said.

The practice is set to start about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.)  All rights reserved.