The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs have a glaring question at left tackle.
When starter Wanya Morris left Sunday’s win over Denver due to an injury, rookie Kingsley Suamataia struggled in his stead. Morris was able to return late, but his own issues put the spotlight on Patrick Mahomes’ blind side down the stretch.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach hasn’t been shy about making upgrades to his Super Bowl roster via signings and trades, but has yet to make a move to shore up the left tackle spot.
Andy Reid didn’t dismiss the idea of adding a veteran option but said that as a coach, his main focus is on the players currently in the building.
“He looks at everything. I’m not going to say, ‘No,’ ” Reid said of potentially adding a left tackle, via the Kansas City Star. “But what we do as coaches -- and we’ve overemphasized -- we’re going to focus in on these kids that are here.”
On Sunday, Mahomes faced pressure on 20 of 49 dropbacks (40.8%), the highest pressure rate he’s faced since Week 8, 2023 (also against the Broncos). Suamataia allowed six pressures and a sack in 34 pass-block snaps. Morris allowed one pressure in 15 pass block reps, per Next Gen Stats.
For the season, Suamataia has allowed a 12.5% pressure rate on 96 pass block snaps and Morris 10.2% on 256, per NGS, both by far team highs among offensive linemen (Trey Smith is next with 7.4% on 351 pass block snaps).
There could be a few veteran options if the Chiefs decide to add before the postseason. David Bakhtiari remains a free agent and could chase a ring. Last year’s LT in K.C., Donovan Smith, is also available and might be open to a return.
For now, the Chiefs have faith in the two youngsters growing into the position.
“They’re getting better. I know it’s hard to see at times, but there’s progress being made,” Reid said. “We’re going to be OK as we go forward.”
While the Chiefs have made moves to bolster the receiver corps and defense this season, the left tackle has remained the one question mark as they chase a three-peat. The coming weeks will tell if they decide to try and answer the query or plow forward into January with two youngsters on Mahomes’ blindside.