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Right Tackle:  Unfortunately, Jeff Allen’s night ended early with a sprained MCL.  While he should be ready for the start of the season, he’ll be missing some valuable practice time.  That’s unfortunate because he really needs it out there now that the Chiefs have moved him.  From what little we saw of Allen, I would say he isn’t altogether comfortable on the outside yet, which is understandable.

I do believe that once he settles into the position, he’ll be the best option.  Allen played a lot of right tackle in college, so he knows what to do.  Also, as a pro, his best play at guard has been when he’s had more space to work with.  I like him much better at right tackle than I do at right guard.

With Jeff Allen going down, Donald Stephenson will get a chance to regain his starting spot. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In the meantime, Donald Stephenson will be getting the lion’s share of those snaps.  Stephenson was the projected starter at right tackle until a suspension last season, and he was never able to take his spot back.   Stephenson stepped in and didn’t have any issues that stood out.  However, he also didn’t play like a guy who has something to prove…which he absolutely does.

Coming into a contract year in the situation that he’s in, I would expect him to hit anyone and everyone he possible could, but it just wasn’t happening.  Stephenson seemed far too content to just sit back and not be a part of the play if he didn’t have to be.  That’s a terrible mentality for a lineman to have.

One guy I am definitely starting to get excited about is Jarrod Pughsley.  He has been a camp standout, and the Chiefs put him in the mix once the starters came out and Stephenson moved to left tackle.  Pughsley didn’t stay there long, but the fact he was put in there before being moved to left tackle shows that the Chiefs like the idea of him as a swing tackle.  Very good value for a young guy like that to have.

Derek Sherrod is the tail end of this group, which disappoints me.  The former first round pick was basically getting a fresh start to his NFL career after injuries had derailed him.  It doesn’t appear that there is much left there to work with.  Sherrod came in as the fourth man to take snaps at right tackle.  There’s just no dressing that up.

Next: Tight ends remain a question mark

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