The Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line will be shorthanded yet again in Sunday's divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. According to the Kansas City Star's Pete Sweeney, "Andy Reid confirmed the O-line that finished the last game — (left to right) Pole, Suamataia, Humphrey, Caliendo, Moore — will be the same vs. LAC." This means that Kansas City will be missing Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, and Josh Simmons in Week 15, in what will be an incredible opportunity for tackle Esa Pole in his first start of the year.
Pole was not only behind Kansas City's starting tackles, but the lineman also wasn't on the roster, only joining the team as an emergency option after the starters went down. An emergency option that would quickly be utilized, with Wanya Morris suffering a season-ending injury that forced Pole into the lineup for the bulk of last week's game against the Houston Texans. The tackle was incredible for a forgotten depth piece, giving up only three pressures in 42 pass-blocking snaps.
None of these pressures resulted in a sack, and it was clear that the tackle was playing far better than expected. Now, Pole has a chance to take advantage of this opportunity, cementing his starting status for the rest of the season and forcing his way into Kansas City's 2026 plans. Already, head coach Andy Reid noted his performance offering ahead of the Chargers matchup that "It's another good defensive front. It'll be a good test for him," via A to Z Sports Charles Goldman.
Esa Pole Has Prime Opportunity to Become a Piece of Chiefs' Future
Another great start against the Chargers would be stacking back-to-back games against two of the league's more talented defensive fronts. This should be more than enough to lock the tackle into a starting role for the rest of the season. Adding up to one of the more interesting stories to watch down the stretch.
Part of what's so fascinating about watching Pole the rest of the season is the question marks moving forward at the tackle position. It is clear that Josh Simmons is a building block, but the rookie tackle has been unable to stay on the field. In addition, Jawaan Taylor hasn't won over many fans with his consistent mistakes and penalties.
All of this adds up to an opportunity for Pole, who is on an expiring deal that could quickly become an attractive re-signing. The tackle simply needs to play at the level he did against Houston down the stretch, and the Chiefs will have no choice but to bring back the surprise contributor.
While the most likely reunion will be with Pole serving as the emergency tackle, this season has proven that the door should be open for a surprise starting role. With the future of Taylor in question and Simmons being a question mark to stay on the field, nothing can be ruled out.
This weekend is an incredible chance for an overlooked prospect to emerge from a practice squad afterthought to a potential future contributor. It is a rare fun story in a Kansas City season full of misery. For Pole, it is also an opportunity to gain an incredible raise and solidify his place in the Chiefs' future offensive blueprint.