Tag: left tackle

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 HC Andy Reid responds to free agent veteran offensive lineman’s social media post

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid responds to free agent veteran offensive lineman Donovan Smith’s social media post | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Monday during his weekly Zoom press conference. He gave his thoughts on free agent and former Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith’s social media post, indicating that he’s available if the team needs a veteran offensive tackle.

“Listen, that’s in (Brett) Veach’s area. I mean, he looks at everything. So I’m not going to say no, but what we do as coaches, and we overemphasize, is we’re going to focus on these kids that are here,” said Reid. “They’re getting better. I know it’s hard to see at times, but there’s progress being made, and we’re going to be okay as we go forward.”

Reid continues to support his current young tandem of left tackles who struggled in last Sunday’s victory over the Denver Broncos. Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia have started games and rotated on the offensive line.

Smith was the starting left tackle on last year’s Chiefs Super Bowl-winning team, along with his previous title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. The 31-year-old wasn’t re-signed in the offseason and is still interested in returning to Kansas City if necessary.

Steelers’ legendary QB speaks his mind on LT Dan Moore Jr.

Former Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger gives LT Dan Moore Jr. his flowers for his excellent play so far in 2024.

With the Steelers drafting RT Troy Fautanu in the 2024 NFL Draft, many fans assumed Dan Moore Jr. would be on his way out of Pittsburgh. However, poor play from OT Broderick Jones and a regular-season-ending injury to Fautanu opened the door for Moore to showcase his progression in his fourth year in the NFL. His elite play this season caught the attention of two-time Super Bowl champion and Steelers legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. 

Big Ben spoke about the left tackle’s talent on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, highlighting one key play that demonstrated Moore’s value to the team: “He got dinged up for one play, there was a sack on that play. The next play, when he’s out, a sack happens.” Roethlisberger concluded with a short but powerful compliment to the left tackle: “Dan Moore is playing good football right now in a position that is very important.” 

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the left tackle position is in good hands. However, what remains to be seen is how Mike Tomlin will handle the issues with Jones at right tackle.  Should Pittsburgh acquire additional offensive linemen at the trade deadline? 

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Chiefs coaching staff continues to evaluate options at left tackle through bye week

Kansas City #Chiefs coaching staff continues to evaluate options at left tackle through bye week | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid held his first Zoom press conference since the bye week on Monday. He addressed the ongoing battle for the starting left tackle position ahead of the Week 7 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

“We obviously looked at that, and both of them can do better, and so Wanya (Morris) knows what he’s got to work on, and likewise, Kingsley (Suamataia) does,” said Reid. “We’re lucky to have both the guys, both young guys, and we’re kind of growing with them here. So we’ll just let that process keep rolling.”

Suamataia won the starting left tackle job out of training camp and began the season in that role. He struggled in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, which led to his benching in the fourth quarter in favor of Morris. The rookie remains highly valued by Reid and the coaching staff but has some things to work on regarding his consistency.

Morris has started the last few games and is used in the occasional big packages with Suamataia. The second-year offensive tackle has also faced criticism for recent penalties as he works on his effectiveness. Both players will likely be interchangeable for the rest of the season, barring any shocking moves at the trade deadline.

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy comments on starting left tackle changes: ‘Guys are going to have opportunities’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy comments on starting left tackle changes: ‘Guys are going to have opportunities’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs consistently switch starting left tackle between Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia. The evenly matched pair has forced the coaches to find creative ways to utilize their strengths.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy addressed the ongoing competition at left tackle with reporters on Thursday.

“Ideally, you’d love for one of those guys just to be able to take over and have it,” said Nagy. “I think the beauty of this is right now, going through that, these guys are going to have opportunities. Wanya (Morris) did a good job last Week; he can continue to improve. Kingsley’s (Suamataia) got to do the same thing. It’s a part of this league.”

The Chiefs have shuffled the two young offensive tackles in and out of the lineup since Week 2. They believe who plays will be determined by the matchup during that game as they await a standout from the duo.

“There’s competition, there’s injuries, so you’ve always got to stay prepared. It’s our job as coaches to make sure we’re developing them Monday through Saturday, throughout the week,” said Nagy. “We can’t just sit there; this is any player, not just O-line. You’ve got to make sure that we’re developing these guys. If they’re not a starter, what are we doing to try to make them a starter?”

The plan from last week will continue into Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, with both players seeing action.

Chiefs plan to play multiple left tackles on Sunday night vs. Falcons

Kansas City #Chiefs plan to play multiple left tackles on Sunday night vs. Atlanta #Falcons | @EdEastonJr

The Sunday night matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons will feature a different look for the offense. Following the noticeable struggles at left tackle during last week’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, changes are planned for Week 3.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed his plan to play Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris at left tackle vs. The Falcons during Friday’s press conference.

“The two tackles will both have an opportunity to get in there this game. The left tackles,” said Reid, “We’ll see how it goes as we roll. They’re both ready to go.”

Suamataia’s performance heavily influenced the decision. The rookie allowed five total pressures, including two sacks, and drew three flags against the Bengals. Morris replaced the rookie in the fourth quarter.

“In the second half, he (Kingsley Suamataia) had a couple (of) breakdowns in technique, and he had one or two mental errors there,” said offensive line coach Andy Heck on Thursday. “I think it was earlier in the game that those occurred, but stuff that he was able to look at, we’re able to make corrections in our meeting, and stuff he’s working on this week.”

No official word on the number of snaps for each player on Sunday night was available, as the number could be based on initial performances throughout the game.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals reason for benching rookie starter during game vs. Bengals

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals reason for benching rookie Kingsley Suamataia during game vs. Cincinnati #Bengals | @EdEastonJr

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs’ last-second victory over the Cincinnati Bengals kept the team undefeated in the young season. However, some question marks have emerged from the victory, specifically on the offensive line.

During his Sunday press conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed his decision to sit rookie starting left tackle Kingsley Suamataia late in the game.

“Kingsley, he’s going against arguably one of the best defensive ends in the league. It would be a great experience that he could put away and learn from, but I ended up taking him out of the game,” said Reid. “Sometimes you got to take a step back to take a step forward.“

Bengals veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson dominated the one-on-one matchup with Suamataia. Reid is optimistic that the experience will help the former BYU stand out in the long term.

“Listen, it’s a great learning experience; sometimes, if you get beat a couple of different times and you’re a young guy, you haven’t quite figured out the answers to the test there on how to fix it,” said Reid. “Your coach talks to you, and you’ve got to settle down. That happens, so you go back, and you learn from it. Wanya will do the same. He did a nice job jumping in there, with the exception of penalties.”

Morris committed a penalty trying to block Hendrickson on the last drive, so it’s not certain that either player will start against the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday night.

“We’ll see how it goes,” said Reid. “I’m gonna go back and look at the tape, and I’ll talk with Coach (Andy) Heck, and we’ll go from there.”

Broncos vs. Steelers injury report: Russell Wilson questionable for Week 2

Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) is questionable for Sunday’s game. Broncos WR Devaughn Vele (ribs) has been ruled out.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Elsewhere eon the injury front, left tackle Garett Bolles (calf), receiver Josh Reynolds (Achilles) and center Luke Wattenberg (ankle) have been cleared to play.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is listed as questionable for Week 2.

“If his availability is questionable, then starting is less so,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Wilson. If Wilson does not play on Sunday, Justin Fields will start against the Broncos.

Denver’s final injury report can be seen below. DNP = did not participate.

Broncos vs. Steelers injury report

Player Injury Wed Thur Fri Game Status
WR Devaughn Vele Ribs DNP DNP DNP Out
OT Garett Bolles Calf DNP Limited Full
WR Josh Reynolds Achilles DNP Limited Full
C Luke Wattenberg Ankle DNP Limited Full
OLB Jonah Elliss Knee Limited Full Full

The Broncos also placed running back Audric Estime (ankle) on injured reserve earlier this week, ruling him out for at least four games.

Denver’s game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. The Broncos are considered betting underdogs despite playing at home.

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Broncos vs. Steelers injury report: Garett Bolles and Russell Wilson limited

Broncos LT Garett Bolles (calf) and Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) were both limited at their respective Thursday practices.

The Denver Broncos had three players return to practice on Thursday, including left tackle Garett Bolles (calf).

Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (Achilles) and center Luke Wattenberg (ankle) were also back on the field Thursday, but receiver Devaughn Vele (ribs) remained sidelined. After practice, Bolles indicated he’ll be ready to roll on Sunday.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was limited again on Thursday. After practice, Wilson said he wants to play but knows he has to be smart with his injury.

Denver’s complete Thursday injury report can be seen below. DNP = did not participate.

Broncos Thursday injury report

Player Injury Wed Thur Fri Game Status
OT Garett Bolles Calf DNP Limited
WR Josh Reynolds Achilles DNP Limited
WR Devaughn Vele Ribs DNP DNP
C Luke Wattenberg Ankle DNP Limited
OLB Jonah Elliss Knee Limited Full

Note that running back Audric Estime (ankle) does not appear on the injury report because he was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.

The Broncos will release a final injury report with game statuses after Friday’s practice.

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Broncos injury report: Garett Bolles did not practice Wednesday

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles (calf) was among four players who did not practice Wednesday.

Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles did not practice Wednesday after suffering what the team initially described as an ankle injury in Week 1. Bolles is now listed on the injury report with a calf injury.

Bolles left Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Matt Peart. Broncos coach Sean Payton said Monday that Bolles suffered a “contusion,” but X-Rays and MRIs came back negative.

Bolles, 32, started all 17 games last season for the Broncos, but he missed 12 games in 2022, three games in 2021 and one game in 2020. Now in his eighth year in the NFL, Bolles is in the final year of his contract. DNP = did not participate.

Denver’s complete Wednesday injury report can be seen below.

Broncos Wednesday injury report

Player Injury Wed Thur Fri Game Status
OT Garett Bolles Calf DNP
WR Josh Reynolds Achilles DNP
WR Devaughn Vele Ribs DNP
C Luke Wattenberg Ankle DNP
OLB Jonah Elliss Knee Limited

Note that running back Audric Estime (ankle) does not appear on the injury report because he was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.

The Broncos are scheduled to practice again on Thursday and Friday. After Friday’s practice, Denver will release a final injury report with game statuses for Sunday’s showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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