Who will see snaps at left and right tackle amidst uncertainty?
The past two offseason have featured big offensive line storylines. In 2021, the Chiefs had an entirely new offensive line after the abysmal Super Bowl performance. In 2022 though, injuries and contract disputes leave some question marks on both offensive tackle positions. Hopefully, those question marks do not draw into the Chiefs’ Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
On the very first day of training camp, Reid threw the offensive front into even more uncertainty.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid says Rashad Fenton (shoulder), Lucas Niang (knee) and Justyn Ross (foot) all had surgery and won’t be practicing to begin camp.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 22, 2022
Reid further detailed Niang’s status, saying “I would probably tell you they will start on .” Niang’s Week 1 status was already uncertain, after suffering a torn patellar tendon in 2021’s Week 17. But, Reid pivoted from an injury recovery to left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.’s contract negotiations.
The Chiefs and Brown’s camp could not negotiate a long-term deal to keep Brown in Kansas City. Brown still has not signed his franchise tag, meaning he is under no contractual obligation to attend training camp. Reid made his feelings known, clearly and concisely. But, more on that later.
Right now, the Chiefs are missing 2021’s primary starting right and left tackles as the regular season rapidly approaches. Thankfully, the Chiefs have some temporary options at both positions.
Andrew Wylie is the Chiefs’ ideal “sixth lineman”, a very versatile player who recorded seven starts in 2021. He was the next man up as Niang dealt with injuries during the season, so he is a common-sense replacement. However, fans are clamoring for rookie Darian Kinnard to see action at right tackle, especially alongside fellow mauler Trey Smith. Kinnard and Wylie seem to be the front runners for right tackle, both having pros and cons.
At left tackle, things are slightly murkier. While left tackle in training camp feels like a placeholder, the competition will be decisive for the 53-man roster. There are several options, ranging from veterans Geron Christian and Roderick Johnson to the unproven Prince Tega Wanogho. These tackles may not have the elite talent to face in training camp, but any offensive tackle has the opportunity to compete for LT2.
Who sees the most first-team action will solidify their roster position and give fans a better idea of who the tackle options are. Two young players, in Wanogho and Kinnard, are in the thick of their positional battles, a good sign for the relatively young Chiefs offensive line. Some questions will remain, such as will Smith and center Creed Humphery continue to improve, or are they one-season wonders? Will left guard Joe Thuney be a veteran leader, and to what extent? A lot of questions for a Chiefs team that once had the answers in 2021.