It isn't any secret that Kansas City Chiefs fans are less than thrilled with the fact that offensive tackle Wanya Morris appears locked into the starting lineup. Left tackle Josh Simmons is going to miss extended time on the injured reserve with a fractured and dislocated wrist, while right tackle Jawaan Taylor is out with a triceps injury. Already, the Chiefs are dealing with missing right guard Trey Smith, who has an ankle sprain that has kept him sidelined for an extended time.
Putting Morris back into the lineup is based on sheer desperation and a lack of other options. Still, Kansas City fans want to see anyone but the ex-Oklahoma Sooner in the lineup. The fan base is so frustrated with Morris that they would rather see the recently added Esa Pole in the lineup. It is hard to argue against this when, as one Chiefs fan aptly pointed out, even quarterback Patrick Mahomes was vocal about keeping the tackle off the field and safely away from attempting to protect his blindside.
This becomes understandable when you consider the fact that Morris, according to Pro Football Focus, finished the 2024 season with 35 pressures allowed (23 hurries, seven QB hits, five sacks) and 10 penalties taken across 732 snaps (453 passing downs).
Chiefs Are Playing with Fire by Starting Wanya Morris
Even former players are weighing in, with retired lineman Mitchell Schwartz pointing out that putting Morris at left tackle made zero sense. It isn't exactly a hot take to question a franchise putting an incapable player at an incredibly important position in a must-win game against one of the league's better pass rushes.
The Houston Texans' defense has caught fire, giving up less than 20 points in three straight games while getting to the quarterback. This was against offensive lines that aren't missing three starters and opting to start a liability to protect their quarterback's blindside. All of this paints a rather bleak picture that has fans concerned about whether or not the season will end on Sunday.
Losing to the Texans would give up the tiebreakers to every team you're currently fighting for the final wildcard spots with. Not only this, but adding a seventh loss would make sure you get no more than 10 wins, which simply might not be enough to make it into this year's postseason field.
For all intents and purposes, the Chiefs are entering an elimination game where they're willingly starting Morris in. It will be interesting to see if the tackle is able to show any improvement or if Kansas City makes an in-game change if last year's struggles remain.
But considering how Morris gave up a pressure on 11.1% of passing downs against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13, it's safe to say that Chiefs fans won't be holding their breath.