Kansas City Chiefs tackle Wanya Morris is set to make his first start of the 2025 season on Sunday Night Football against the Houston Texans. Understandably, fans are less than thrilled with the prospect of watching Morris return to the starting lineup. However, the Chiefs have few other alternatives with Josh Simmons missing extended time and Jawaan Taylor dealing with a triceps injury, which is expected to keep the veteran sidelined in Week 14. The one caveat to this is offensive tackle Esa Pole, who has been promoted to the active roster.
Already, fans are pointing out that they believe Pole is a better and more consistent option than Morris. Given that this time last year, Morris was starting and had allowed 33 pressures, this isn't exactly surprising. Add in the fact that the tackle was consistently penalized, and there is every reason for fans to have a strong sense of distrust in the current starter.
Furthering the belief in Pole were comments that Andy Reid made, via A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman: "We thought we saw some talent there. He knows the scheme. We thought there was some growth and that he'd be a guy to work in somewhere."
This is high praise and speaks to the fact that Poole could quickly find himself in the lineup.
Chiefs Backup Tackle Esa Pole Could Quickly Earn Starting Reps After Practice Squad Elevation
Morris was benched during the 2024 season due to ongoing frustrations with his inability to protect Patrick Mahomes. If this were to repeat itself on Sunday Night Football against a very talented Houston Texans' pass rush, there is every reason to put Pole into the starting lineup as quickly as possible. This is the equivalent of an elimination game. The Chiefs need to understand that this game must be coached with an incredible sense of urgency and a willingness to pivot instantly.
Giving Morris the chance to start based on his tenure and draft stock makes a certain level of sense for the franchise. You're hoping that the time on the bench proves to have been meaningful for the backup and allows his level of consistency to take a step forward. While Kansas City fans wouldn't bet on this being the case, it is at least understandable logic.
However, it remains important for the Chiefs to be willing to instantly put Pole out there if Morris is whiffing on pass rushers or creating penalty yardage that is slowing down the offense. This offensive line should be managed by Andy Reid as if it were the Super Bowl, and every possible change and improvement must be sought out.
With this in mind, Poole's elevation from the practice squad isn't just an opportunity to provide needed depth, but perhaps to find his way into the starting lineup and become a surprise contributor for an offensive line that remains ravaged with injuries.