Chiefs Expected to Start Joshua Ezeudu at Right Tackle Against Falcons

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to start Joshua Ezeudu at right tackle Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons after ruling out Jaylon Moore with an ankle injury.

Moore was hurt in last week’s win over the New York Jets and missed all three practices this week. Heavy reported Friday that Ezeudu will take his place. The Chiefs list Ezeudu directly behind Moore at right tackle on their unofficial depth chart.

Ezeudu has already filled in for Moore once this season. He started at right tackle in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. He also appeared in the Jets game last week. Sunday would be his second start in his first season with Kansas City.

The Chiefs acquired Ezeudu from the New York Giants in August for a 2028 seventh-round pick. The Giants drafted him in the third round in 2022, and he appeared in 33 games with 10 starts for New York. Most of his work there came at left guard and left tackle. He also played on the right side during this year’s preseason.

Right guard Trey Smith spoke Friday about preserving continuity when the tackles change. He credited offensive line coach Andy Heck for preparing replacements and said veteran players have a responsibility to help bring them along. Smith would line up next to Ezeudu, giving the two a chance to handle Atlanta’s fronts and pass-rush games together.

The Chiefs have already had to adjust at the other tackle spot. Rookie Kahlil Benson has taken over at left tackle with Josh Simmons on injured reserve. That gives Kansas City two tackles who have had to step into larger roles this season, with Smith and center Creed Humphrey providing experience between them.

The backfield could change Sunday as well. Kansas City listed Kenneth Walker III as questionable after groin tightness kept him out of Friday’s practice. Whoever takes the carries, Ezeudu and Smith will have to work together on the right side when Kansas City runs behind them.

On passing downs, one thing to watch is whether the Chiefs ask a tight end or running back to help Ezeudu before releasing into a route. If he can handle the edge on his own, Patrick Mahomes will have another receiver available sooner in the play.