Backtracking: Andy Reid admits defeat with quick fix to Chiefs' offensive line

Andy Reid appears ready to reverse one of his recent offensive line decisions as the Kansas City Chiefs attempt to stop their losing streak as after benching Kingsley Suamataia against the Denver Broncos , he has indicated that the guard could return to the starting lineup in Week 9.

Kansas City has lost two consecutive games after opening the season with five straight victories as its latest defeat came against divisional rival Denver , where problems protecting Patrick Mahomes contributed to a disappointing finish as the quarterback was sacked on the final play of the game.

Fans were shocked though ahead of kickoff as Suamataia was replaced by Mike Caliendo , but fortunately for the Chiefs Kingdom , the change could prove short-lived as Matt McMullen believes Reid is ready to give him a third chance in the 2026 NFL campaign.

“Coach Reid says ‘there’s a good chance' Kingsley Suamataia is back at left guard this week,” McMullen posted and the decision would restore the player who started the first three games of the season at the position.

Suamataia also started all 17 games for Kansas City last year, making his repeated appearances on the bench particularly notable and the situation has attracted attention because this is not the first time it’s happened: The young guard was previously benched against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4.

On both occasions, Reid has repeatedly declined to explain why Suamataia was removed from the lineup as he keeps his cards close to his chest but it is not injury related as Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reported the organization described that earlier decision as a "coaching decision."

Reid then offered little additional information, insisting the matter would remain between him and the player and the decision was particularly surprising given Suamataia 's performances before his first benching.

Next Gen Stats showed that he had allowed pressure on just 3.8% of his blocking opportunities entering Week 4, the lowest rate among starting left guards whilst Caliendo 's opportunity has not produced a convincing case for keeping the change permanent.

The Chiefs receive health updates ahead of Jets clash

Mahomes was sacked twice and took eight quarterback hits during the Raiders game, while Kansas City 's offensive line also struggled against Denver and the defeat to their AFC West rivals has seen the Chiefs lose control of the division, vital for seeding in the NFL Playoffs .

Should Suamataia return to the starting line up to partner center Creed Humphrey and left tackle Kahlil Benson in protecting Mahomes remains to be seen, but Reid also provided several updates on the team's availability as Kansas City prepares to host the New York Jets .

The team’s first-round pick Peter Woods was the only player unable to practice, with the defensive lineman recovering from a neck stinger meanwhile, cornerback Mansoor Delane returned to practice after missing the Denver game with a shoulder issue, providing an encouraging development for the defense.

Leading wide receiver Rashee Rice also made his return against the Broncos after missing time with a hamstring injury as he played 17 snaps in the third quarter before gradually taking on more responsibility in Week 8.

Reid also confirmed that Harrison Butker would remain the starting kicker despite another missed field goal in Denver. Kansas City recently added Justin Tucker to its practice squad, but Butker appears set to retain his role against the Jets .