Chiefs Show Lack of Trust in Veteran With Surprise Week 11 Decision

The Chiefs made a surprise roster move just before Sunday's showdown with the Bills, elevating undrafted rookie tackle Ethan Driskell to the active roster ahead of second-rounder Kingsley Suamataia.

Kansas City's decision says more about confidence in Suamataia than anything, though it also speaks to the organization's lack of faith in 2020 third-round pick Lucas Niang.

Originally a standout for TCU, Niang has failed to gain significant playing time since his rookie campaign. Now, he's been surpassed by two rookies.

Chiefs Surprise LT Move Signals Lack of Faith in Lucas Niang

Niang has been with the team for four years now but hasn't ever stuck as a legitimate starting option. Driskell showed significant promise in training camp, seemingly taking Niang's position on the depth chart.

The coaching staff clearly believes in Driskell's potential. At six-foot-eight with impressive athleticism, he's a unique talent who could become deadly in the screen game.

With Isiah Pacheco due back as soon as Week 12 against the Panthers, Kansas City now has to start preparing for the playoffs. Even if the Chiefs lose to the Bills, all that anyone cares about is a deep playoff run in pursuit of a three-peat.

Driskell might represent a better option than Niang does. At the least, it looks like he's proven enough in practice to receive a look. Andy Reid and his staff will evaluate Driskell as well as Suamataia against Niang, hoping to field the best possible 53-man roster once the postseason comes around.

For now, it's a terrible sign for Niang, though a wonderful chance for Driskell to show he's among the best undrafted rookies in the game today.

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