Chiefs Lineman Misses Thursday Practice With Surprise Illness Before Week 9

The Chiefs received a big piece of injury news at Thursday's practice given the team's recent struggles at the left tackle position. Promising undrafted rookie Ethan Driskell missed practice with an illness.

Should Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia continue to struggle, Driskell would be the most logical replacement in a pinch.

At six-foot-eight and 313 pounds, Driskell has sublime size and athleticism that could quickly make him a beloved player among Chiefs Kingdom.

Chiefs Rookie OT Ethan Driskell Misses Week 9 Practice

This news shouldn't have a major impact on Week 9's Monday Night Football matchup with the Buccaneers, though it could still be felt for the Chiefs' offense.

Driskell is an exciting prospect out of Marshall who displayed exceptional athleticism during the preseason. Andy Reid loves linemen who can pull on rushing plays, giving Driskell some promise should Morris and Suamataia not work out.

Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is locked into the roster for the next couple of years given his contract, but Driskell could be a long-term replacement if he continues to develop as expected. He surrendered just three sacks in 909 snaps during his final year in college and has the underlying advanced profile that suggests he could work in the NFL.

Kansas City has a clear need at the tackle position. Driskell is an untapped well of promise and his development could make general manager Brett Veach's decisions in the 2025 draft easier.

If Driskell shows the coaching staff he needs to stick around, Veach will feel less pressure to draft a tackle. Should Driskell fall short, Veach will be forced to address a major need. Hopefully the rookie can suit up on Monday but either way, his progress is a storyline to watch moving forward.

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