Overview
- Chiefs coach Andy Reid again removed left guard Kingsley Suamataia from the starting lineup before the Week 8 game, inserting Mike Caliendo as the left guard for Sunday’s matchup with the Denver Broncos.
- Reid told reporters the decision is “between Kingsley and I” and said it “isn’t punishment,” but he declined to provide further details about why Suamataia was benched.
- Caliendo played essentially every offensive snap (69) against Denver while Suamataia logged five special-teams plays, and analytics cited in coverage showed Caliendo allowed five pressures in that game compared with the low pressure totals Suamataia had posted earlier in the season.
- After the loss, Suamataia and teammate Trey Smith posted cryptic Instagram messages referencing jealousy and distraction, which intensified public scrutiny of team dynamics though neither player explained the posts.
- The benching comes as the Chiefs cope with offensive-line disruptions — including left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve and center Creed Humphrey’s snapping issues — a situation that could affect protection for Patrick Mahomes and will be watched closely before Kansas City’s next game.