Injury updates about offensive lineman aren’t the most intriguing parts of a head coach’s day, but for coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs they’re important. He has a banged-up offensive line, a team that’s surprisingly stuck at .500, and a quarterback who needs to be protected if he’s going to all off a miracle playoff run.
Reid has his hands full right now. Right guard Trey Smith has an ankle injury that kept him from suiting up against the Dallas Cowboys on last Thursday, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor suffered a triceps injury during the game. Reid’s biggest concern, however, was left tackle Josh Simmons, who left due to a wrist injury and was seen in the locker room afterward in a cast and sling.
“Josh is getting a second evaluation on his wrist, and we’ll see what goes from there,” Reid said to Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star. “The other guys (Smith and Taylor) are improving as they go forward. We’ll see how they do the next couple of days.”
How they do will likely determine how well the rest of the Chiefs season goes. Jaylon Moore entered for Taylor after his injury, and Wanya Morris took over for Simmons. In 25 pass-blocking snaps, Moore allowed six pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, while Morris allowed two in 17 snaps.
“Wanya went in, had a chance to play in the game, and I thought after the first couple plays, he really settled in and did a nice job there,” Reid said, showing support for a player who has to step up. “But yes, he’d be one of the potential guys in there.”
The Chiefs take on the Houston Texans on Sunday night, and the Texans boast the No. 1 scoring defense in the league at 16.5 points allowed, and they are sixth in the league in team sacks at 34.
Simmons probably won’t be available, and if that’s the case Moore would be next up, followed by Morris if Taylor also can’t go. If Smith misses another game at right guard, Mike Caliendo would be expected to draw the spot start.
They’ll all need to work together seamlessly given how fierce the Texans defense is, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes will need time to work his magic. The Chiefs need to win out, and the offensive line will have to be the foundation on which their comeback is built.