Tag: Wanya Morris

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.

Former Chiefs offensive lineman continues to hint at his availability on social media

Former Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Donovan Smith continues to hint at his availability on social media | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have been hit with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball this season. The latest injury, to recently signed D.J. Humphries, at left tackle, further adds to the bad luck health-wise.

Humphries left Sunday’s Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers early, replaced by former starter Wanya Mortos to finish the game. The veteran’s status wasn’t immediately available, as it was his first game since tearing his ACL a year ago while a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

“I don’t have any injury updates for you. We’re right in the middle of that process, and we’ll just see how things go. I know the tackle’s (D.J. Humphries) one of (those) problems there, so we’ll see how he does.” said head coach Andy Reid during his weekly Zoom call with reporters on Monday. “He’s feeling a little bit better this morning, but we’ll see where it goes from here after he gets an MRI. ”

Following the injury, former Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith seemingly responded on social media with a GIF reminding the franchise that he won Super Bowl LVIII his availability. Smith made a similar post a month ago when the troubles at left tackle became apparent to the football world.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides clarity regarding his options at left tackle: ‘We’ll see how it goes’

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides clarity regarding his options at left tackle: ‘We’ll see how it goes’ | @EdEastonJr

The ongoing debate regarding when the Kansas City Chiefs should insert veteran D.J. Humphries in the starting lineup has become a hot topic as the team marches toward another postseason. Head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Wednesday, revealing his mindset regarding the decision.

“(Humphries and Thuney) are veteran guys that we have an option to put in there. So, kind of banking on that,” said Reid. “Wanya (Morris) and Kingsley (Suamataia) have taken most of the snaps, and D.J. (Humphries) hasn’t played (in 2024), other than the (eight) years before this,” the Chiefs HC went on, reiterating: “So, we’re banking on that part of it with a couple of those guys, that veteran part of it can step in there and take care of it.”

Thuney notably stepped in at left tackle for Morris to finish last week’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Humphries has been practicing with the team and could be an option as early as this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I think, eventually, you want to get somebody in there that does a good job and really can stay in there and be that guy as we develop the young guys; you’re going to have some hiccups, we know that we knew that going in,” said Reid. “But we’ll see if D.J. (Humphries) can do that. (Either) he can do it; if he can’t, he can’t. So, we’ll see how it goes.”

This Sunday’s game could clinch another AFC West division crown for Kansas City, as many will wait and see who will start at left tackle.

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.

NFL Next Gen Stats shared concerning factoid about Chiefs OL Wanya Morris

NFL Next Gen Stats shared a concerning fact about #Chiefs OL Wanya Morris’ performance against the #Raiders in Week 13.

The Kansas City Chiefs punched their ticket to the playoffs last night with a 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, but not all is going well for the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Chiefs’ offensive line has underperformed this season, and Patrick Mahomes has taken a beating in Kansas City’s last two games.

Mahomes was sacked five times in the Chiefs’ win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 12, and Las Vegas managed to bring him down four times on Black Friday.

Left tackle Wanya Morris has borne the brunt of criticisms from fans and pundits, and an NFL Next Gen Stats graphic from last night’s broadcast on Amazon Prime highlighted just how poorly he performed against the Raiders:

 

Given Morris’ struggle to effectively block for Mahomes against Las Vegas, fans can expect newly-signed offensive lineman D.J. Humphries to take over the former Sooner’s starting spot when Kansas City faces off against the Las Angeles Chargers on December 8.

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.