The starting left tackle position has been an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs all season as they pursue the top spot in the AFC. The topic took another turn in the Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns as a new starter took the spot following the injury to D.J. Humphries.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid moved All-Pro guard Joe Thuney over to left tackle on Sunday as he battled with the reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett. Mike Caliendo filled in for Thuney at his typical guard spot, leaving Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia on the sidelines.
“I thought Joe (Thuney) – I asked him to play left tackle, and he hasn’t done that since college – got out there and really did a nice job against one of the best defensive ends in the game right now,” said Reid to reporters during his postgame press conference. “Then (Mike) Caliendo, what a great experience that is for him to get out there and see a full game. That’s going to help him down the road and us down the road, so I appreciate it. As far as any changes or any of that, we’ll just see going forward how things go on the offensive line.”
Thuney held up well against Garrett as the Chiefs could limit his pressures during the game to less than his usual production. Reid further explained his decision on Thunrey at left tackle, not his young linemen.
“Well, the injury on D.J. (Humphries), and then Joe (Thuney) had taken a couple of snaps there last week, and I just felt comfortable as a veteran player,” said Reid. “I scouted him as a tackle, knowing he could get out there and battle. He’s been an All-Pro for two other positions, so give him a chance at the tackle spot.”
The Chiefs return to the field on Saturday against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium with questions regarding their plans at left tackle, assuming Humphries is healthy enough to play.
