The Kansas City Chiefs have seen early success this season, but recent injuries have tested the depth and development at key positions. The team currently sits at 9-0, the last undefeated team in the NFL. They now head into the back half of the season, and Head Coach Andy Reid spoke on Monday, during his usual presser with the media, and provided updates on the left tackle position situation, and also revealed news on injured players set to return soon.
Reid provided an update on left tackle Wanya Morris’s injury, the potential to add to the position, and the return of players like Isiah Pacheco, Charles Omenihu, and even Juju Smith-Schuster. With Kansas City preparing to face the Buffalo Bills this week, in a game that could likely decide who ends up being the No. 1 seed in the AFC, these updates personnel updates are coming at the perfect time for the Chiefs as they make their way into the second half of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs Left Tackle Concerns
During his Monday press conference, Reid discussed the challenge of maintaining stability on the offensive line, especially after Wanya Morris’s ankle injury in their game on Sunday against the Broncos. Despite Morris’s return to finish the game, the position remains a major area of concern moving forward. “We were tested in a couple of spots,” Reid said. “This will help us grow… particularly at the tackle position. We are young at the left tackle spot, but we’ll keep getting better as we experience some of these things.”
Rookie Kingsley Suamataia stepped in for Morris after the injury, but his limited experience showed. Even though Suamataia quite frankly had a brutal showing on Sunday, Reid maintained his belief in the rookie and Wanya. Stressing that both young players are gaining valuable in-game lessons. “I think Wanya will end up being okay when it’s all said and done here, as far as his leg goes,” Reid said. “Then Kingsley will learn from what he had there and keep getting better.”
The Chiefs, led by general manager Brett Veach, are always looking at ways to make the team better. After Sunday’s showing, Veach might begin if he has not already started looking for additional help to solidify the tackle position. When asked about potentially bringing back former Chiefs offensive lineman Donovan Smith, Reid indicated it’s a possibility but remained consistent on his point that he is focused on growth from within. “That’s a Brett Veach area… I’m not going to say no,” Reid said. “But we’re going to focus in on these kids that are here.”
Andy Reid on The Chiefs Mentality
Although the Chiefs are 9-0, the road to reaching this point has not been easy, and Reid understands that. This is why, during his presser, he closed his opening statements by praising this year’s team mentality. Highlighting that this is one of the most resilient teams he’s coached and the culture that they have, which supports one another in every way possible, is why this group is so special. “The thing that has impressed me with this team is this—they don’t get down,” Reid said. “They battle through stuff, and if somebody is not doing well, they try and pick them up.”
With a young roster developing and injuries across several positions, Reid remains confident in the Chiefs’ collective mentality. He acknowledged that these challenges, particularly along the offensive line, will benefit the team long-term. “It’s worked to this point. We just gotta keep getting better and growing as we go.”
The culture they have in Kansas City, which many of the players have spoken about before, has allowed for an environment of support and continuous improvement; Reid ensured that younger players, like Suamataia, will gain the confidence that he needs to be successful in this league.”That’s all part of it, that’s all part of coaching,” he said. The Chiefs’ commitment to developing their talent from within aligns with Reid’s philosophy of nurturing long-term success.
Pacheco and Omenihu’s Return
Now, on the injury front, Reid provided an update about running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu, who, as of Tuesday morning, have been designated to return from injured reserve. Reid shared that Pacheco, Omenihu, and receiver Juju Smith-Schuster are “very close” to returning to practice. “Juju is closer than the other two,” Reid said, “but I would tell you that we might have them out there… we’ll just see how it goes today and tomorrow.”
For the Chiefs, reinforcements could not come at a better time. With Pacheco returning to the lineup, Kansas City will add another layer to their rushing attack. Pacheco has been out since Week 2, and Kareem Hunt has had to handle the starting role which he has done admirably, but Pacheco’s return brings fresh, young energy back to the position and with the two of them in the backfield together it also allows the Chiefs offense to become more dynamic and versatile.
Omenihu’s impending return also strengthens Kansas City’s defensive front. Ohmenhiu was a key contributor last season. He finished the year with 18 tackles and seven sacks, which was good for the third-best on the defense. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks will further bolster a defense already among the league’s best. Adding Omenihu to a defensive line that is already stacked with talent makes Kansas City’s pass rush even more potent.
Final Thoughts
With Pacheco, Omenihu, and Smith-Shuster all nearing full health, the Chiefs are set to get back some vital contributors on both sides of the ball. As Kansas City looks to maintain its unbeaten record, these additions are exactly what they need as they head into the latter of the NFL season.
Then Andy Reid and the rest of his coaching staff although are open to adding additional depth to this roster, are currently focused on internal development. Paring that with timely returns from injury, and everything seems to be lining up nicely for a strong second half of the season. As Reid put it, “We just gotta keep getting better and growing as we go.” With depth building on both sides of the ball, Kansas City appears ready to keep their run going as they move ahead.
