RIVER FALLS, WIS. ? Fullback Tony Richardson cracked his left thumb in Kansas City’s morning practice Thursday and will probably miss several days.

Coach Dick Vermeil said he did not think Richardson would be out for long.

“What I understand is he got it banged back into his face mask,” Vermeil said.

“It doesn’t look like it will have to be operated on. Let it sort of calm down and keep it in a cast. He’ll probably be back on the practice field in a few days.”

Rookie linebacker Kawika Mitchell was held out because of a strained hamstring. Mitchell, a second-round draft pick out of South Florida, will probably not be out more than a few days, Vermeil said.

The Chiefs went through their fifth day of practice under clear skies and cool temperatures, with the tempo slowly picking up. Kansas City started a week early because they’ll play in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 4.

“The tempo was very good this morning,” Vermeil said. “We haven’t done anything full-speed, but a lot of it becomes full-speed. It’s a long training camp, a week longer than normal, and then a long season. We’ll try to save some of the best for the opener.”

The general condition of most of the veterans is good, but Vermeil is displeased with some of the first-year players.

“There are a couple of guys with bellies,” he said. “Young kids who have never been in an NFL training camp. They’re not quite ready for the tempo and have to get themselves into training camp shape. I talk to them all the time.”

The punting battle seemed to gain intensity with both competitors, Leo Araguz and Jason Baker, having good mornings. Punting is one worrisome area for Vermeil and his coaches.

“The competition’s intense,” Vermeil said. “The two punters this morning punted extremely well. I asked them if they put helium in the ball.”

Wide receiver and Pro Bowl kick returner Dante Hall made the most spectacular catch of camp so far in the Thursday morning practice, a juggling, across-the-middle grab in heavy traffic that had his teammates running over to slap him on the back.