While Patrick Mahomes flipped behind-the-back passes to Travis Kelce, one storyline in Kansas City flew under the radar: A second-round rookie will protect the quarterback's blindside to open the 2024 season.
Kingsley Suamataia will start at left tackle Thursday night when the Chiefs kick off the season against the Baltimore Ravens.
"He had a good training camp," coach Andy Reid said Sunday, via the team's official transcript. "He had a good preseason, but this is going to be a learning experience for him here. This is a good defensive line, and he's going to -- I'm sure there will be some ups and downs as he goes like any young player has. He's prepared himself, and it's time to go play now."
The Chiefs swiped the 6-foot-5, 326-pound BYU product with the No. 63 overall pick.
Suamataia entered training camp battling second-year pro Wanya Morris for the starting gig. Morris dealt with several injuries during camp, including a bone bruise and a shoulder issue, then exited the team's final preseason game with a knee injury. Reid later noted that Morris would likely be fine, but it was clear by that point that Suamataia would be starting Week 1.
Mahomes is confident in the work the rookie has put in ahead of Thursday's prime-time game against Baltimore.
"He has the confidence. He's going out there, and he's enjoying the moment," Mahomes said of Suamataia. "He's practicing hard. He's learning from the guys beside him. This is, like we said, probably the best defense in the league other than ours, so it's just going out there and competing against the best of the best Week 1. He's going to get kind of introduced fast. I'm excited for him to accept the challenge and see where he's at, but he did a great job in the preseason. He did a great job in training camp, and I'm excited for him to go out there and accept that next challenge."
Suamataia will be the fourth opening-day starting left tackle Mahomes has had on his blindside since taking over starting duties in 2018: Eric Fisher (2018-2020), Orlando Brown (2021-22), Donovan Smith (2023).
There was some thought before camp that if the rookie and Morris both struggled, a veteran could be brought in to bridge the gap. While the Chiefs could still make a move if Suamataia struggles in Week 1, there have been no rumblings of such concern.
The 21-year-old rookie has already impressed teammates with his athleticism and confidence.
"Kingsley's really level-headed," right guard Trey Smith said. "The moment's not going to be too big for him. Just staying focused on the mission and the task at hand, not letting anything overwhelm [him].
"It's an easy thing to do -- get caught up in a lot of different external factors that don't matter. But he's doing a great job of blocking it out."
Now he needs to block out Baltimore pass rushers on Thursday night.
