‘A Step Back’: Kansas City Chiefs Coach Explains Why Rookie Was Kept Out Of Bills Game

The Kansas City Chiefs were without their second-round pick during Sunday’s 30-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. The Chiefs chose to make offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia a healthy scratch against their AFC rival.

The Chiefs drafted Suamataia in the hopes that he could be a permanent solution at left tackle after losing Donovan Smith to free agency in the offseason.

Kingsley Suamataia has struggled in his rookie season

Suamatia, a standout for the BYU Cougars, has appeared in nine games, starting in two games. Per Pro Football Focus, the 21-year-old has earned a 36.8 overall grade for his play in 2024. He’s played in 162 offensive snaps. In his 106 pass-blocking snaps, Suamataia has surrendered three sacks, five hits, and 13 total pressures.

Per Pete Sweeney with Arrowhead Pride, head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that the rookie was ok, but that he needed to take a step back.

“Sometimes, you’ve got to take a step back to take a step forward, and that’s what we felt we needed to do there,” Reid said. “So we’ll go from there and see how things work out here as he continues to work forward.”

Suamataia gave up one sack, three hits, and seven pressures during his 46 snaps in the Chiefs 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 10.

Could the Kansas City Chiefs look to add an LT?

Second-year offensive lineman Wanya Morris played at left tackle against the Bills. He gave up two hurries and had a penalty on Sunday.

Reid suggested the Chiefs could look to add a veteran for the offensive line this season.

“As far as a veteran players goes, [general manager Brett] Veach is always keeping his eyes open.,” Reid said. “He would be the one that heads that up, and he obviously bird-dogs all that.”