KC Chiefs have very real competition at right tackle
By Matt Conner
![Feb 26, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Texas Christian offensive lineman Lucas Niang (OL35) speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Feb 26, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Texas Christian offensive lineman Lucas Niang (OL35) speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c2f41c1cdbdf5600ef20165a42a78a44d9c489f85c9937dfc42b4fb3d0124777.jpg)
Mike Remmers
If there’s a favorite to be found on the roster, it’s gotta Mike Remmers at this point given the fact that he was out there with the first-team unit at right tackle shortly before back spasms took over. In fact, it’s possible that if/when Remmers’ back problems calm down, this isn’t a contest after all. Maybe all of this is for nothing.
It doesn’t feel that way.
Remmers was a super substitute for the Chiefs last season as a guy who stepped into starting reps at both left guard and right tackle and held his own for an offensive line that was slowly falling apart. Mitchell Schwartz left big shoes to fill outside when he went down with back issues of his own against the Buffalo Bills, but Remmers filled in admirably and proved himself capable of holding things down over the long haul.
Does that mean he’s ready for a full season at the helm? It depends on what the Chiefs are aiming for here. Is Remmers really the best performer at the position. He might be in the interim, but it’s hard to believe he’s got the highest ceiling and the Chiefs reinvented things to raise that ceiling this offseason. Brown over Eric Fisher. Humphrey over Austin Reiter. Thuney over basically every other player who’s played left guard since Andy Reid arrived.
Remmers’ injury has meant more time for others to step in (we’ll get to them), and if the Chiefs like what they see there, it might be hard for Remmers to return to a starting role.