Andy Reid breaks silence on Kansas City Chiefs star who was officially benched for Buffalo Bills clash after struggles
The Chiefs star had started in the team’s first two games of the season
KANSAS City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid opened up on one of his struggling offensive linemen.
Chiefs rookie Kingsley Suamataia was benched for Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
3
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid looks on during a 2023 gameCredit: Getty
3
Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia before an NFL game in SeptemberCredit: Getty
For the away game in Week 11, Reid started Wanya Morris at right tackle while Suamataia was a healthy scratch.
Morris’s backup was Ethan Driskel, who’s a 6-foot-8 undrafted rookie out of Marshall.
On Monday, Reid broke his silence on the decision to have Suamataia as a healthy scratch.
“Sometimes you have to take a step back to take a step forward,” Reid said during his press conference, per Cody Tapp of Audacy’s 96.5 The Fan.
The right tackle position has been a vulnerable spot for the 9-1 Chiefs.
In Weeks 1 and 2, Suamataia got the start after impressing in training camp and the preseason.
However, he struggled in both games and was benched.
Since then, Morris has been the team’s starting right tackle.
However, he exited during the Chiefs’ Week 10 game versus the Denver Broncos with a knee injury.
Suamataia was called to step in and unfortunately struggled once again.
Andy Reid sends clear warning to Kansas City Chiefs team ahead of AFC showdown after squeezing by division rivals
Luckily for Kansas City, Morris returned in the fourth quarter.
The Chiefs went on to claim the 16-14 victory thanks to a blocked field with time expiring in the fourth quarter.
Reid’s squad lost their first game of the season to the Bills.
The back-to-back Super Bowl reigning champions lost a game for the first time since last Christmas.
The Chiefs will take on the 3-7 Carolina Panthers on the road next Sunday in Week 12.
It’s unclear if Suamataia will be, once again, a healthy scratch in the contest.
Kansas City could be getting back the injured running Isiah Pacheco, who has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a leg injury.
The Chiefs designed Pacheco to return from Injured Reserve ahead of the Week 11 game.
He participated in last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday’s practice before being ruled out for the contest.
Pacheco is expected to return to action in Week 12, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
3
Reid signals to go for an extra point attempt after a touchdown against the Bills
