Kingsley Suamataia Set to Return After Mysterious Raiders Benching

The Kansas City Chiefs are getting a familiar starter back on their offensive line after a surprising decision kept him off the field in their last game.

Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Monday that left guard Kingsley Suamataia will return to the lineup Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Suamataia was unexpectedly benched for Kansas City's 30-27 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 4, with Mike Caliendo starting and playing the entire game in his place.

Reid offered a straightforward answer Monday when asked whether Suamataia would return against Los Angeles.

"Yeah, he'll be back in," Reid said, according to KCTV5.

That was considerably more information than the Chiefs coach provided following the victory over Las Vegas.

At the time, Reid declined to explain why Suamataia had been benched, saying the matter would remain between him and the third-year offensive lineman.

"As far as the Kingsley thing goes, before you guys ask, that's between Kingsley and I," Reid said after the Raiders game.

"We'll figure it out and down the road we'll be better as a team for it, and Kingsley will be better for it."

Reid still hasn't publicly explained what prompted the decision, leaving the circumstances surrounding Suamataia's benching unclear.

However, his confirmation Monday indicates the former second-round draft pick is expected to reclaim his starting job following Kansas City's bye week.

Suamataia, selected out of BYU in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, originally entered the league as an offensive tackle.

After struggling during his rookie season, he moved to left guard in 2025 and established himself as a regular starter.

He retained that role for Kansas City's first three games this season before the unexpected change against the Raiders.

Caliendo, who has experience in Kansas City's offensive system, stepped into the starting lineup as the Chiefs remained undefeated.

Kansas City improved to 4-0 with its victory over Las Vegas before entering its early bye week.”  

Suamataia's return should provide some continuity for an offensive line that has also dealt with uncertainty at left tackle.

Josh Simmons has missed the beginning of the season while recovering from a back injury, leaving rookie Kahlil Benson to fill the position.

Benson made a strong initial impression, with his performance in the season opener becoming one of the Chiefs' early offensive-line success stories.

However, Simmons' status remains uncertain heading into the Chargers game.

Reid said Monday that Simmons spent the bye week at the team's facility continuing his rehabilitation.

The Chiefs expect to have a better understanding of his availability when players return Tuesday, according to KCTV5.   

That leaves Kansas City with at least one important offensive-line question heading into its next game.

But the situation at left guard appears considerably clearer.

After an unexplained one-game benching, Suamataia is expected to return to his starting role as the undefeated Chiefs prepare to host the Chargers.