The Kansas City Chiefs might be facing a rookie at left tackle instead of Russell Okung on Sunday against the L.A. Chargers.
The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line has been licking their chops over the last several weeks with dominant performances against anyone on the schedule—from the likes of the New England Patriots to rivals like the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos. Now they might get to tee off in the same way against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17.
The Chiefs are likely to bring the house in the final week of the season despite having the AFC West and a postseason berth already locked up. The reason is that the Chiefs can still earn a first-round bye if the Patriots lose to the Miami Dolphins, who will be playing at the same time as K.C. and L.A.
This means that Pro Bowlers Chris Jones and Frank Clark along with newcomer Terrell Suggs will be playing major snaps against the Chargers on Sunday. The Chargers already have major offensive line issues to address in the offseason, but this week’s injury report also shows that Russell Okung, the team’s starting left tackle, is not practicing once again after already missing Week 16.
In his place, third round rookie Trey Pipkins started against Oakland and Pipkins will be familiar to the Chiefs because he made his first start of the season back in Week 11 against K.C. In that game, the Chiefs won 24-17 and intercepted Philip Rivers four times thanks to putting major pressure on the Bolts quarterback. Frank Clark and Mike Pennel had 1 sack each and Clark added 3 more quarterback hits.
Pipkins will have more reps on his resume this time around, including some familiar ones against the Chiefs, but the same can be said in the other direction. It will be interesting to see if Okung ends up returning for the final game or if Pipkins is forced to go—and what effect it will have on the regular season finale for both teams.