Chiefs backup o-line will have real chance to prove themselves against Lions

The second week of the preseason should feature plenty of playing time for those vying for the backup o-line spots for the Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs, like most teams, aren't going to play their staters for too many reps in the preseason schedule in any given week. However, the second game of the preseason has been where head coach Andy Reid likes to give his first-stringers a longer run of playing time in order to develop a greater chemistry with new faces and to shake off some of the competitive rust.

That won't be happening for the offensive line this week.

The Chiefs host the Detroit Lions for their first home game of the year and fans will go without seeing some starters up front. Given how little the others will play, that means the door is wide open for those prospects and players vying for the precious few backup roles that are available.

Earlier this week, the Chiefs watched Jawaan Taylor taken away from the practice fields at Missouri Western by cart due to a shoulder injury. Taylor's injury comes on the heels of another injury to the knee of swing tackle Wanya Morris, which happened earlier in camp on August 7. Given that starting left guard Joe Thuney has yet to even practice in full while recovering from a pectoral injury and you have some large-scale concerns.

The good news is that the Chiefs believe a lot of these injuries should be okay for the long run. However, in the interim, Coach Reid says they're not going to press anyone into action to test them.

When asked about Taylor's potential return on Saturday against the visiting Lions, he said. "No, he won’t go this weekend, but I think he’s gonna be okay." Reid was also asked pointedly about Thuney and he hedged a bit more, "I’m not gonna force it. Gonna see how he feels after today. We’ll let you know on that."

That means the Chiefs will likely see starters like left tackle Kingsley Suamataia, center Creed Humphrey, and right guard Trey Smith all play the pre-planned amount for first-team players. From there, they'll fall away and given even more time and space to those competing.

This is vital for a player like Lucas Niang who is doing his best to remind the Chiefs why they selected him in the third round back in 2020. He remains on the team in the last year of his rookie deal (remember, he delayed his rookie season by opting out of the COVID-infected 2020 campaign). Since Morris is out, Niang can make a greater case to take over that third tackle role with so much more playing time afforded him.

An even bigger battle is being fought for those along the backup interior roles. Mike Caliendo has a headstart with experience over Hunter Nourzad, but the team invested a fifth-round pick in the Penn State product and like the versatility he brings. Plus it's not as if Nourzad is not plenty experienced already across most of the offenisve line.

With Thuney out, it's possible a guy like Caliendo or Nourzad could play the entire game on Saturday although it might mean a positional switch here and there in order to accommodate what the coaches want to see from their candidates.

And here's what's also important. The more playing time available also means more quality opportunities for guys vying for practice squad spots. This gives greater game tape and chances to shine for linemen like Ethan Driskell, Nick Torres, C.J. Hanson, Griffin McDowell, and more. Even if they don't wow the Chiefs, you'd better believe the Lions are watching in person and the league will be scouting from a distance.

For the Chiefs starting o-line, this week is about resting those already injured and escaping another week as healthy as possible. But for those behind them, there are plenty of players chomping at the bit for as many quality reps as they can get. Due to the team's injury list, we're going to get a better look than ever at many of them against Detroit.