Tag: DJ Humphries

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals early plans for the offensive line for Super Bowl LIX: ‘We’ll rotate’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals early plans for the offensive line for Super Bowl LIX: ‘We’ll rotate’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have improved in pass protection over the second half of the season and playoffs. Joe Thuney’s switch to left tackle from his All-Pro left guard position is an essential reason for the improvement.

The Chiefs signed veteran D.J. Humphries late in the season as insurance for the troubled left tackle role. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris struggled while alternating starting roles. Humphries’ injury forced Thuney into the spot, and head coach Andy Reid said during his Thursday press conference that it appears to remain that way.

“Yeah, it’ll probably be the same,” said Reid. “Again, we’ll rotate them all in there, but I think it’ll probably end up being the same when it’s all said and done.”

Thuney was named to the 2024 First-Team All-Pro team for the second consecutive season and has three career Second-Team All-Pro selections. Morris has been inactive through the two playoff games, while Mike Caliendo has stepped up efficiently at left guard.

Four former Florida football players represented in this year’s Super Bowl

Taking a look at which Gators will be represented in this year’s Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

With the matchup being set for Super Bowl 59 between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, excitement builds not just for the showdown but also for Florida Gators fans, as four former players are set to take part on the big stage.

Offensive tackles Jawaan Taylor and DJ Humphries will be suiting up for the Chiefs, while safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and offensive tackle Fred Johnson will take the field for the Eagles.

Each player not only represents their team’s aspirations for an NFL championship but also the proud tradition of Florida Gators making their mark in the NFL.

Here’s a closer look at each player and what they bring to their respective teams in the biggest game of the year.

Jawaan Taylor: OT, Kansas City Chiefs

A cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, Taylor has been a key factor in the team’s success this season. Originally drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Taylor has been with Kansas City since 2023.

Taylor’s ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes this season has been pivotal and it’ll be interesting to see how he and the rest of the offensive line plays against an elite Eagles pass rush with guys like Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter.

DJ Humphries: OT, Kansas City Chiefs

Joining Taylor on the Chiefs’ offensive front is fellow Florida Gator Humphries. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Humphries joined Kansas City earlier this season to fortify their offensive line.

Humphries’ experience and leadership have helped stabilize Kansas City’s offensive schemes, allowing them to excel both in the air and on the ground. His matchup against the Eagles’ edge rushers will be a key battle to watch during the game.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson: S, Philadelphia Eagles

On the defensive side of the ball for the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson has been a revelation since his days as a Gator. Known for his versatility and ball-hawking skills, Gardner-Johnson’s ability to read the game and make pivotal plays has made him a critical component of the Eagles’ secondary.

Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and played for the Eagles in 2022 where he was the co-leader for NFL interceptions. He then played with the Detroit Lions for a season before coming back to Philadelphia this year.

Gardner-Johnson’s knack for timely interceptions and solid tackling will be vital as they aim to stymie the high-powered Chiefs offense led by Mahomes.

Fred Johnson: OT, Philadelphia Eagles

Rounding out the Gator quartet is Johnson, an undrafted offensive tackle from West Palm Beach. He’s bounced around a few teams over the years (Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) but has eventually stuck around with the Eagles since 2022.

Johnson, a backup, hasn’t seen a lot of action this season. But he’s available if Philadelphia needs him in the game. In Week 3, Johnson saw some playing time against the Saints after starting right tackle Lane Johnson left the game due to an injury. He also played in the regular season finale against the New York Giants.

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Chiefs veterans will make their AFC Championship game debuts on Sunday vs. Bills

Kansas City #Chiefs veterans will make their AFC Championship game debuts on Sunday vs. Buffalo #Bills | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters for a Zoom press conference on Monday. He addressed the fact that several veterans with years of experience in the league will play in their first conference championship game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

“That’s kind of a neat deal. You know, DeAndre (Hopkins), I mean, he’s been doing it 12 years, and so I said, You never been to this one? Have you any? He said, No, but we’re able to go against a really good football team here so that competition level will be at its highest point.” said Reid. “That’s why we’re all in this thing. So, for him to have that opportunity to experience that part, as great as he is, and even to be able to take it up one more notch, is something new for him.”

In addition to veterans like Hopkins, Kareem Hunt, and D.J. Humphries, who have never played in the AFC Championship game, young players like Xavier Worthy and Carson Steele are also on the roster and experiencing it for the first time.

“So I think that’s a great thing for the young guys; it’ll be a good experience for them going forward, and they can learn from it,” said Reid. “We’ll tell them what it’s all about. The players will tell them what it’s all about until you get out there and feel that energy. You really don’t know, but it’ll be a good form to get through it.”

The atmosphere of an AFC Championship game is familiar territory for players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones, who have regularly played in the round consecutively since 2018. Reid famously coached in many while he was with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Andy Reid reveals Chiefs’ postseason strategy for left tackle position

See what #Chiefs HC Andy Reid said about Kansas City’s approach at the left tackle position heading into the playoffs. | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters for a Zoom press conference on Friday. He provided insight into the ongoing debate on who will start at left tackle for the postseason.

“Listen, I thought D.J. (Humphries) did a pretty good job there,” said Reid. “(There are) a few plays that he’d probably like to have back, but he’s headed in the right direction, for sure. I haven’t made any decisions on that (or) which direction to go right this minute, so we’ll see. We’ll get there by the time we get to the end of next week there.”

Humphries returned to the Week 18 regular-season finale lineup after missing several weeks due to a hamstring injury. He could be in line for the starting role in next weekend’s Divisional Round as Reid further explained his options on the offensive line.

“Well, the best part is that they both (Joe Thuney and D.J. Humphries) are good players, and (Mike) Caliendo’s playing well, too, so I’m not too worried about that whole situation,” Reid explained. “We’ll just see how it plays out. (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) rotates them during the week anyway, so they’ll all get work, and we’ll just go from there. Obviously, you want the best combination, but I think in this case, you’ve got three guys there that are pretty good players.”

Joe Thuney was recently named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press and has been playing well since moving to left tackle. Reid will have a week to make the tough call before the postseason.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid’s evaluation of rookie offensive lineman in Week 18: ‘Experience for him’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s evaluation of rookie offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia in Week 18: ‘Experience for him’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid isn’t taking the blowout loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 18 too seriously since he either sat or limited key players. The game meant nothing standings-wise for the team, so he utilized the contest as experience for many of the young players on the roster, including rookie Kingsley Suamataia.

“We’ll see. I’ll look at it (game tape) and see how he (Kingsley Suamataia) did.” Reid said during his postgame press conference on Sunday. “Nothing jumped out at me that said negative on it, so, but I’ve got to look at the look at the tape, and I’ll get with Coach (Andy) Heck on that. It’s good to get him in there, though he’s one of the guys who’s good to get the experience for him, for sure.”

Suamataia began the season as the starting left tackle before being benched towards the end of the Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s played sparingly in relief since he had multiple inactive designations throughout the season.

Veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries returned to the lineup for Sunday’s game and figures to be the starter for the upcoming divisional-round postseason game.

Chiefs Andy Heck discusses D.J. Humphries’ injury progress: ‘He’s been working hard’

Kansas City #Chiefs Andy Heck discusses D.J. Humphries’ injury progress: ‘He’s been working hard’ | @EdEastonJr

Injury recovery time before the Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason starts is crucial to their success. During his press conference on Thursday, Offensive line coach Andy Heck addressed the status of veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries’ potential return to the lineup as early as this Sunday.

“Well, he’s been working hard at it, and I know he’s been making some progress here,” said Heck. “So we’re continuing to monitor that, but I think he’s feeling as good as you could expect to feel.”

Humphries has been out with a hamstring injury since his Chiefs debut in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Heck would welcome a quick return from the former Pro Bowler, but he isn’t in a rush to play him against the Denver Broncos since he doesn’t need to shake off any rust.

“Well, first off, I’d say D.J. (Humphries), being a veteran guy, he’s played a lot of football,” and so, need to see him,” said Heck. “I don’t know if I’d go there, but we want to get all of our guys ready and healthy.”

Joe Thuney has stepped in admirably at left tackle in recent weeks but would ideally return to guard once Humphries is available to start.

Chiefs OL Joe Thuney could potentially start at left tackle through the postseason

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney could potentially start at left tackle through the postseason | @EdEastonJr

The injury to Kansas City Chiefs veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries briefly left a hole in the offensive line until All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was recently inserted. The temporary move has worked efficiently over the past few weeks, with Thuney holding up against some of the best pass rushers in the league.

During his weekly Monday Zoom press conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid described his plans for starting left tackle in the postseason that could potentially keep Thuney in the role regardless of Humphries’ status.

“Yeah, I’m gonna play it kind of by ear as we go here. I’ve been happy with (Mike) Caliendo and how he’s played. I’ve been happy with Joe and how he’s played,” said Reid. “I appreciate him jumping in and keeping the level of play up, and I’m curious to see, you know, where D.J.’s (Humphries) is and if he can do anything. I just want to see where we’re at, and I’ll evaluate that as we go down the stretch here.”

According to Reid, Humphries is progressing through the hamstring injury rehab, and his performance in practice could affect his game plan before the divisional round.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides injury updates on players before Week 18: ‘I can’t make any promise’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provides injury updates on players before Week 18: ‘I can’t make any promise’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 18 with nothing significant on the line that could affect their standing heading into the postseason. The game against the Denver Broncos will likely see many starters dealing with lingering injuries resting in preparation for the divisional round.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed several injured players during his weekly Zoom press conference with reporters on Monday. He immediately addressed veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries, who was out with a hamstring injury.

“You know what? He’s (D.J. Humphries) doing good,” said Reid. “I can’t make any promise. I want to get him out to practice and kind of see where we’re at so, but he is doing good in his rehab part as different than being on the field, so I like just to see how he does there.”

Reid also clarified four players who have spent time on injured reserve this season and their projections for the playoffs.

“There’s a chance with Mecole (Hardman) and potentially (Jaylen) Watson. I mean, potentially, that would be stretching,” said Reid. “But the other two (Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore), No.”

Isiah Pacheco, who injured his ribs during the Christmas Day victory, was in noticeable pain, and Reid shared his caution on handling his starting running back.

“He’ll be available. Playoff-wise,” said Reid. “Yea, he is tender. I probably should have mentioned that, but he is tender, and I’ll probably hold him back here this week in practice, just a bit, so he can be fresh and ready to go.”

The Chiefs will have plenty of new faces in the lineup on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, as the focus will remain on the postseason and having key players healthy.

Is D.J. Humphries playing today? Injury updates for Chiefs OL

#Chiefs offensive tackle D.J. Humphries is dealing with a hamstring injury. Here are the latest updates. 

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will need a heroic effort from his offensive line when the defending Super Bowl champions face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day in Week 17.

Veteran tackle D.J. Humphries was signed by Kansas City to bring stability to their front-five, but has been battling a hamstring injury since making his Chiefs debut.

Will Humphries be available to protect Mahomes against the Steelers’ stellar pass rush?

D.J. Humphries injury update

Humphries is dealing with a hamstring injury and did not participate in Kansas City’s practices this week. On Tuesday, Humphries was officially ruled out for the Chiefs’ Week 17 matchup against Pittsburgh.

How long will D.J. Humphries be out?

It is unclear how much more time Humphries will need to recover, but the fact that he hasn’t been placed on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list may be an indication that he could return before the playoffs.

Chiefs LT depth chart

In recent weeks, veteran guard Joe Thuney has filled in for Humphries as Kansas City’s starting left tackle. However, second-year tackle Wanya Morris is listed under Humphries on the Chiefs’ depth chart.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on quick gameplan for Week 17 vs. Steelers: ‘Coaches did a good job’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on quick gameplan for Week 17 vs. Pittsburgh #Steelers: ‘Coaches did a good job’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Monday before the Christmas Day showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He revealed the immediate plans to accommodate the rapid turnaround between games.

“Yeah. I mean, that’s part of what you have to do,” said Reid. “The coaches did a good job of spending some time before our game on Saturday looking at them, so we had a little bit of a jump start when we came back here to take a peek at him.”

After Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans, the Chiefs travel to face the postseason-bound Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

“His (Mike Tomlin) teams are tough,” said Reid. “They’re well-coached, and they’re going to play hard every snap. They’re going to give you an honest down every snap, so you’ve got to come in ready to go.”

The Steeler’s defense showcases an intense pass rush led by Pro Bowler T.J. Watt and again puts the spotlight on the Chiefs’ offensive line, according to Reid, in their protection of Patrick Mahomes.

“Yeah, I tell you, similar to the other groups. I mean, they do a nice job of rushing the passer, all of them,” said Reid. “So it’s not just the outside guys; it’s those inside guys, too. The offensive line’s got another big challenge. I thought they fared pretty good last week. Did a nice job for the most part. They have to do it again. But that’s all part of this. They know that they take that responsibility seriously and prepare themselves the right way.”

Reid didn’t commit to a starting offensive line plan for Wednesday but did confirm that D.J. Humphries is still not practicing due to his hamstring injury.