Chiefs Tease Position Change for Rookie in Playoffs With Week 18 Decision
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs made an interesting lineup decision during a blowout Week 18 loss to the Broncos, potentially teasing a new position for struggling second-round rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia.
In an effort to give Suamataia some reps before the playoffs start, Kansas City put him at left guard for 31 snaps while D.J. Humphries played left tackle and Wanya Morris was slotted in at right tackle.
After the rotating shuffle on the left side, it appears likely the Chiefs will start Joe Thuney and Mike Caliendo together in the playoffs or Thuney and Humphries, but it's still good to have added depth at all positions. Suamataia was impressive, clearly putting his best film on tape of the campaign. In a pinch, the Chiefs could feel comfortable playing him at guard in an emergency situation.
Chiefs Rookie Kingsley Suamataia Impresses at Left Guard vs. Broncos
Kingsley Suamataia at guard will be good tape.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) January 5, 2025
Despite the disappointing overall result, Suamataia's performance was encouraging for fans worried he could be approaching "bust" status. Pro Football Focus graded him as the seventh-best offensive player overall, easily his best effort of the year.
He particularly impressed in run blocking, posting an above-average grade. While he struggled relatively in pass protection, he only surrendered one pressure and QB hit. Given how poorly he was early in the season, this was a major step in the right direction for Suamataia. Denver has an excellent defensive line and the 21-year-old played well.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid said it was good to get Kingsley Suamataia some more experience. Said that he'd get with Coach Andy Heck and review the tape, but didn't see anything that jumped out as negative.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) January 6, 2025
With major decisions to make across the roster in the coming months, it'll be interesting to see how the organization plans to utilize Suamataia. Finding a suitable left tackle will be a top priority and perhaps this game can help Suamataia's confidence as he develops this summer. Obviously, the Chiefs would prefer that he becomes that long-term answer.
Early returns weren't promising, though he could still be a contributor at guard. Andy Reid values versatility with his linemen and should be pleased with how Suamataia performed.
Hopefully, this will help build the momentum that Suamataia has been looking for all year long. In the meantime, Kansas City is fully focused on the playoffs, as the Chiefs have the second-best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook (+375) to win the Super Bowl.
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