KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs left tackle position been a major concern for the Chiefs offense and reared its head once again in their win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Head coach Andy Reid has tinkered with the position for much of the season, alternating between rookie Kingsley Sumataia and Wanya Morris, with both continuing to struggle.
The Chiefs signed former Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle DJ Humphries last week. He is expected to start at the position soon and should provide an upgrade, but is also coming off of an ACL injury and hasn’t played since last season.
It is unclear whether Humphries will play vs. the Los Angeles Chargers this upcoming Sunday, but it is a possibility.
“We’ll work [Humphries] in and see how he feels. That’s the main thing. He hasn’t played in a while, I just want to make sure he’s in good position,” Reid said. “If he feels okay, we give him an opportunity.”
Chiefs guard Joe Thuney replaced Morris at left tackle to finish the game vs. the Raiders, another possibility Reid could consider if Humphries is not ready.
“That’s another one of the options that we’ve got. We finished the game that way. I’d rather have Joe playing at guard cause he’s very good there, but [Mike] Caliendo isn’t bad either,” Reid said. “That’s a good problem to have, but we have flexibility there as needed.”
While 11-1, the Chiefs offense is still looking for a breakout game heading into the playoffs and the play of the left tackle is imperative in accomplishing that.
The Chiefs have had a difficult time with a some of the league’s best edge rushers, namely Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby.
And it doesn’t get any easier as the Chiefs have to face arguably two best edge rushers in football in the next few weeks in Myles Garrett and TJ Watt.
It is essential the Chiefs solve their left tackle problem as they vie to become the first team to three-peat in NFL history.
They kickoff against the Chargers at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday at home.