The Kansas City Chiefs were already in panic mode coming into Week 14 about the state of the offensive line (even if everyone involved was saying the right things all along) before hosting the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. With three starters shelved against the NFL's top-ranked defense, Patrick Mahomes was already going to have a near-impossible time trying to generate much offense.
After the game's first offensive play, things have somehow gone from bad to worse.
The Chiefs started the game on offense and handed the ball off to running back Isiah Pacheco for a three-yard gain. After the play, backup tackle Wanya Morris, who was pressed into starting duty on the left side, was clutching his leg in pain. Just like that, the Chiefs were down to their fifth offensive tackle. Morris is questionable to return with a knee injury.
Things went from bad to worse along the Chiefs' offensive line after just one play versus the Texans in Week 14.
The Chiefs began the day with two backup tackles on the left and right side. Josh Simmons, the team's starter on the left side, was placed on injured reserve several days ago for a dislocated and fractured wrist. That opened the door for Jaylon Moore, the team's swing tackle, to take over, but plans changed after right tackle Jawaan Taylor injured his triceps against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13. Taylor was unable to recuperate in time to play in Week 14, which caused the Chiefs to switch Moore to the right side and insert Morris, who is OT4 at this point, on the left.
Now the Chiefs have Esa Pole, who was signed as an undrafted free agent last spring out of Washington State, as Mahomes' new blindside protector. It's a stunning development for the Chiefs and a shocking primetime opportunity for Pole, who was on the practice squad not so long ago.
As if these injuries didn't pose enough problems, the Chiefs are also without Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith due to an ankle injury that kept him out of Week 13 as well. Mike Caliendo is in for him, which means the Chiefs are operating with a whole new right side next to Creed Humphrey at center. Humphrey and Kingsley Suamataia, at left guard, are the only starters in the game.
It's already all hands on deck, but if the Chiefs suffer any more injuries up front, it's going to be a nightmare with interior linemen shifting outside. As it is, untested players are now trying to stave off the best pass rushing duo in the business in a must-win situation for K.C.