Tag: Kingsley Suamataia

Chiefs HC Andy Reid addressed several injuries ahead of Week 16: ‘Guys were out there working’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed several injuries ahead of Week 16: ‘Guys were out there working’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of questions heading into Week 16 regarding injuries to key players. Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Thursday, delivering the final injury report, including two players declared out for Saturday.

“Alright, as far as the guys that didn’t practice today, it was Chamarri (Conner) and D.J. (Humphries), and then the rest of the guys were out there working. I know the questions are about Patrick (Mahomes),” said Reid. “He worked out this week, full, and will most likely end up playing. We’ll just see how things worked out today – rotated guys at the left tackle position, Joe Thuney being one of them, and then the young guys (Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia) so – and we’ll just finalize that as we get closer here, but they all got work in there.”

Reid also revealed that veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown will likely play this week and make his season debut after a long injury recovery.

“Yeah, there’s a good chance on that,” said Reid. “He’s (Hollywood Brown) done a nice job. I mentioned earlier just about (how) it’s not – it wasn’t
his legs, so he’s been able to run and keep himself in running shape, but the rest of it where the surgery wasn’t at, he – it looked good, and (he) was doing fine, yeah.”

Brown and Mmahomes participated fully in practice throughout the week, which raised their chances of playing in the home regular-season finale.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’ | @EdEastonJr

The starting left tackle position has been an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs all season as they pursue the top spot in the AFC. The topic took another turn in the Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns as a new starter took the spot following the injury to D.J. Humphries.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid moved All-Pro guard Joe Thuney over to left tackle on Sunday as he battled with the reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett. Mike Caliendo filled in for Thuney at his typical guard spot, leaving Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia on the sidelines.

“I thought Joe (Thuney) – I asked him to play left tackle, and he hasn’t done that since college – got out there and really did a nice job against one of the best defensive ends in the game right now,” said Reid to reporters during his postgame press conference. “Then (Mike) Caliendo, what a great experience that is for him to get out there and see a full game. That’s going to help him down the road and us down the road, so I appreciate it. As far as any changes or any of that, we’ll just see going forward how things go on the offensive line.”

Thuney held up well against Garrett as the Chiefs could limit his pressures during the game to less than his usual production. Reid further explained his decision on Thunrey at left tackle, not his young linemen.

“Well, the injury on D.J. (Humphries), and then Joe (Thuney) had taken a couple of snaps there last week, and I just felt comfortable as a veteran player,” said Reid. “I scouted him as a tackle, knowing he could get out there and battle. He’s been an All-Pro for two other positions, so give him a chance at the tackle spot.”

The Chiefs return to the field on Saturday against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium with questions regarding their plans at left tackle, assuming Humphries is healthy enough to play.

Chiefs Andy Heck supports young offensive tackles through struggles: ‘Handling it like a pro’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck supports young offensive tackles through struggles: ‘Handling it like a pro’ | @EdEastonJr

During Thursday’s press conference, Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck opened up about his young options at left tackle. He praised Wanya Morris’ performance in relief of D.J. Humphries during the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

“Yeah, I thought he handled that whole situation like a pro. From the moment we talked to him about what our plans were and our intentions were, he approached it the right way. (He) went out, and as a young player, he’s continuing to work, as we all are, to get better. I thought he did that. And then when he was called on, I mean, you got to be ready. You know, things happen. He stepped in. I thought he did a good job.”

Heck also praised his other young left tackle, Kingsley Suamataia, who was inactive in Week 14.

“Also handling it like a pro, a young pro, but he’s working very hard every day, and I’m seeing some improvement out of him,” said Heck. “I really like both of our young tackles, their ability and how they’re working right now.”

Humphries is the accomplished veteran in the locker room, but it’s promising to see Heck with high praise for the embattled young left tackles this season.

Pro Bowl OL officially listed doubtful for Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup vs. Browns

The #Chiefs are likely to be without one of their Pro Bowl offensive linemen for their Week 15 matchup against Myles Garrett and the #Browns.

The Kansas City Chiefs officially listed 2021 Pro Bowler D.J. Humphries as doubtful on their injury report heading into a crucial Week 15 matchup against reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns.

Kansas City signed Humphries in November after Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia failed to provide Patrick Mahomes with adequate protection from the left tackle spot for much of the regular season.

Humphries was injured in his Chiefs debut in Week 14 and is now likely to miss at least one game due to his condition.

In his absence, Morris or Suamataia will be relied on to start at left tackle against Cleveland’s fierce pass rush, which is headlined by Garrett, who has 11 sacks this season.

Mahomes was sacked three times in Kansas City’s Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Chiefs will need to get creative to ensure that he isn’t facing constant pressure at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes comments on the left tackle position this season: ‘We got a lot of young guys’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes comments on the left tackle position this season: ‘We got a lot of young guys’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has stepped up his game recently but continues to deal with weekly pass rush pressure. During Wednesday’s press conference, he addressed the carousel of left tackles this season.

“I don’t know if it’s affected me too much. I mean, I’ve played with all those guys before, and I know those guys are out there battling. They’re out there, and they’ve played winning football before.” said Mahomes. “I just go about my business, go about my process, and try to stay within the scheme of the offense, and then when stuff breaks down, I try to go out there and make plays. I’m gonna continue to do that. ”

Mahomes was sacked ten times over the last two games, with much of the pressure coming from the left tackle. After several practices, he shared his thoughts on recently signed veteran D.J. Humphries.

“You see how talented he is. I mean, the physical gifts are there. It’s been cool to watch him interact with other guys, too.” said Mahomes. “I mean, he’s smart and willing to teach guys, which is big in that room. We got a lot of young guys there, so I’ve been very impressed, and I’m excited for him to get more and more work with more and more practice and hopefully be ready to go as soon as possible.”

Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suantanamia have alternated at the left tackle spot, and it could be coming to an end, with Humphries continuing to impress and ramping up in practice.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on his decision to bench Wanya Morris vs. Raiders: ‘The right thing to do’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid explained the decision to bench Wanya Morris vs. Las Vegas #Raiders: ‘The right thing to do’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made a bold change late in the Week 13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Reid immediately addressed the decision to bench starting left tackle Wanya Morris during his postgame press conference.

“So Wanya (Morris) he was struggling a little bit, so put Joe (Thuney) over there, (Mike) Caliendo in at guard. That was the right thing to do at that time,” Reid explained. “(I) talked to Andy (Heck) about it. He agreed with it, and so we made that move and just solidify things. Pat (Mahomes) took a few hits there, and so we were struggling at times.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked five times on Friday and was visibly upset after the last takedown. Morris was removed from the game for Joe Thuney, who moved from his usual guard spot.

“It’s disruptive to any offense if the quarterback is getting hit and not able to get the ball off,” said Reid. “So that can be a problem. Now, listen, he played against a couple of good players, but you got to do better than what we did there. ”

The Chiefs signed veteran D.J. Humphries earlier in the week to play left tackle as the struggles continue with Morris and rookie Kingsley Suantanamia. Humphries is still working his way into form with the team and was inactive for Friday’s game.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses the status of newly signed offensive lineman: ‘He looked healthy’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discusses the status of left tackle D.J. Humphries: ‘He looked healthy’ | @EdEastonJr

During his press conference on Wednesday, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the recent signing of veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries. He opened up about his status since practicing with the team and being ready to play soon.

“He looked healthy, moving around, felt good; it’s just a matter of him getting back in the swing,” said Reid. “Then also compounded with the offense, making sure he has the terminology down, and he’ll go from there.”

Humphries is a nine-year veteran who lost a year of his career to an ACL injury. He has had a solid reputation throughout his career and focuses on ramping up and playing a significant role in the postseason run.

“We’ll just play it by ear, I told him, ‘Let’s just keep the communication open,’ and we’ll figure it out,” said Reid. “That’s kind of what we’ve done with the other guys that have come in, and we’ll just keep open communication. He seems like a guy that’ll shoot you straight, so that’s what I expect.”

Reid has juggled rookie Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris at left tackle throughout the season with less-than-stellar results. The addition of a veteran tackle should help stabilize the position.

Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on potential snaps at left tackle: ‘Doesn’t bother me’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney comments on potential snaps at left tackle: ‘Doesn’t bother me’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro offensive guard Joe Thuney has earned respect around the league for his consistency and dominance at his position. On Thursday, he addressed reporters commenting on possibly playing some games at left tackle.

“I mean, whatever the team needs, whatever is required, doesn’t bother me,” said Thuney. “It’s not like I’m just relying on the past reps or training and stuff, but just, whatever is needed by the team, and (I’m) happy to do (it), and just, yeah.”

The Chiefs have dealt with struggles from the starting left tackle position all season with Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia. The two young offensive linemen have been swapping in and out, trying to find a successful formula. The veteran Thuney could be a potential option, primarily as the postseason draws closer.

“I think there’s a lot more space out on the edge to tackle, and the top players you’re blocking are different than the interior,” said Thuney. “So just kind of different, just got to be comfortable out there, but it’s just you still playing offensive line, so you still got to go back to the fundamentals, but yeah.”

Thuney is having another strong season on the interior offensive line, but a move to tackle if things don’t improve could be crucial to Kansas City’s three-peat hopes.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals the reason Kingsley Suamataia was Inactive in Week 11

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals the reason Kingsley Suamataia was Inactive in Week 11 | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media on Monday for his weekly Zoom press conference. He revealed his reason for keeping rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia inactive for Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills.

“Yeah, Kingsley (Suamataia) is gonna be okay. It’s just sometimes you take a step back, take a step forward,” said Reid. “That’s what we felt we needed to do there. So we’ll go from there and see how things work out here as he continues to work forward.”

Suamataia’s struggles as the starter are noted throughout the early parts of the season, as Wanya Morris has taken the reigns back in recent weeks. Reid addressed his performance and the potential of adding a veteran in free agency.

“So I actually thought Wanya (Morris) got a little bit better. This week, he’s been doing that for the most part every week, but the injury stepped on it last week for a while,” said Reid. “But I felt like he did some good things for a young guy; he improved and will continue to improve with reps there, and then, as far as the veteran player goes, (Brett) Veach is always keeping his eyes so he would be the one that heads that up and, he bird dogs, all that.”

The Chiefs will look to start a new winning streak this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. With a few games left before the postseason, they need victories to remain atop the AFC.

Chiefs bench struggling rookie OL for Week 11 matchup vs. Bills

#Chiefs rookie Kingsley Suamataia has been benched for Kansas City’s Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo #Bills.

The Kansas City Chiefs decided to bench rookie offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia for their Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills this afternoon.

Suamataia was selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft and made significant strides toward earning the starting left tackle spot on Kansas City’s front five during training camp and thee preseason.

However, the former BYU Cougar has struggled to find his footing during the regular season and put together a disastrous performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 10.

Veteran lineman Wanya Morris is set to start at left tackle for the Chiefs against Buffalo:

The fact that Suamataia has been benched isn’t necessarily an indication that Kansas City’s coaching staff has lost faith in him, but it also doesn’t bode well for the rookie’s chances of seeing significant playing time later this season.

Stay tuned to see how Morris performs against the Bills’ outstanding defensive line with Suamataia out of action.