An ongoing debate throughout the 2025 season has been whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs should bench right tackle Jawaan Taylor. The lineman never fails to come up with a way to commit a penalty at the absolute worst moment. This was on display yet again on Sunday, with one fan noting Taylor's costly facemask penalty and just how done fans have grown with the flags. It is important to note that the facemask penalty that was called was borderline and easily could've been overlooked.
Still, this does nothing to ease concerns of a fan base that has had enough of watching Taylor pile up mistakes. There is an easy fix on the bench in tackle Jaylon Moore, who stepped in at left tackle for rookie Josh Simmons and played at a high level. With this in mind, it seemed that it was time for a switch, with Taylor heading to the bench and Moore replacing the mistake-prone starter.
However, this has now changed with NFL Insider Ian Rapoport updating Trey Smith's injury situation, "Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith is dealing with both high- and low-ankle sprains, sources say. Smith is expected to miss some time, including likely against the Cowboys on Thursday." This opens the door for Taylor to stay in the lineup and Moore to become an answer on the inside.
Chiefs Struggling Lineman Jawaan Taylor Kept in the Starting Lineup by Trey Smith's Injury
Mike Caliendo is the primary backup guard, but doesn't offer the obvious upside of Moore. If the tackle is willing to attempt to move to the inside, it makes far more sense to add the stability of a known performer. Moore could become the solution that buys Smith time to get fully healthy, and unfortunately, keeps Taylor in the Kansas City lineup.
What is so frustrating about having the right tackle is that he is so consistently capable in pass protection and setting up the run. Where the frustration comes in for Taylor is the rookie mistakes and penalties that haven't disappeared despite spending years in Andy Reid's system. When the offensive line is fully healthy once again, if the penalties are still present, there is zero question that it is time to turn the page.
Taylor cannot continue to hurt the Chiefs with dumb penalties. Smith's injury should only delay the inevitable, which is pulling the tackle out of the starting lineup. Moore isn't perfect, but when his number was called, he showed the ability to contribute without making the consistent mistakes that have defined Taylor's Kansas City tenure.
For now, the Chiefs must remain content with Taylor, hoping that the tackle can avoid costing the Chiefs in the season's biggest spots. Until Smith can get healthy, the coaching staff has no other choice.