The Chiefs defense was banged up after the Jacksonville game, but a key loss on the offensive line could prove costly as well.
The only NFL player with MD credentials following his name, Chiefs offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, broke his fibula during the victory, and was placed on IR, per Arrowhead Pride.
With a recent rule change to injured reserve, Duvernay-Tardif doesn’t have to miss the entire season if he recovers, but he’ll still be out a minimum of eight weeks. LDT started 11 games last season and had started all five this season.
Veteran Jordan Devey, who has amassed 15 career starts in five seasons, will step in for Duvernay-Tardif. According to Tom Martin of KCTV5, he’s the perfect fit:
Andy Reid says Jordan Devey will fill in for LDT. Here is all you need to know about Jordan Devey: pic.twitter.com/Xe3EdmxEzf
— TOM MARTIN (@LetItFlyTom) October 10, 2018
Joking aside, it will be interesting to see how Devey plays. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy pointed out Devey’s experience on Thursday as a plus, per Sports Radio 810 WHB.
#Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy on Jordan Devey replacing the injured LDT: "You're getting a guy that's been here for a number of years, he understands the system, he's been waiting for the opportunity."
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) October 11, 2018
A team never wants to have a lineman go down, especially one that is part of an offensive line ranked 11th in rushing yards per game and tied for first in sacks allowed with just six.
A game at New England will be a true test. When you play a team like the Patriots on the road, you look for every advantage, and missing a starting offensive lineman is certainly not one.