'A Step Back': Kansas City Chiefs Coach Explains Why Rookie Was Kept Out Of Bills Game

The Kansas City Chiefs were without their second-round pick during Sunday’s 30-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. The Chiefs chose to make offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia a healthy scratch against their AFC rival.

The Chiefs drafted Suamataia in the hopes that he could be a permanent solution at left tackle after losing Donovan Smith to free agency in the offseason.

Kingsley Suamataia has struggled in his rookie season

Jul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) walks down the hill from the locker room to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Suamatia, a standout for the BYU Cougars, has appeared in nine games, starting in two games. Per Pro Football Focus, the 21-year-old has earned a 36.8 overall grade for his play in 2024. He’s played in 162 offensive snaps. In his 106 pass-blocking snaps, Suamataia has surrendered three sacks, five hits, and 13 total pressures.

Per Pete Sweeney with Arrowhead Pride, head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that the rookie was ok, but that he needed to take a step back.

“Sometimes, you’ve got to take a step back to take a step forward, and that’s what we felt we needed to do there,” Reid said. “So we’ll go from there and see how things work out here as he continues to work forward.”

Suamataia gave up one sack, three hits, and seven pressures during his 46 snaps in the Chiefs 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 10.

Could the Kansas City Chiefs look to add an LT?

Sep 29, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sidelines in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Second-year offensive lineman Wanya Morris played at left tackle against the Bills. He gave up two hurries and had a penalty on Sunday.

Related: Chiefs sign a former second-round pick at WR

Reid suggested the Chiefs could look to add a veteran for the offensive line this season.

“As far as a veteran players goes, [general manager Brett] Veach is always keeping his eyes open.,” Reid said. “He would be the one that heads that up, and he obviously bird-dogs all that.”

Jan 21, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet prior to an AFC divisional round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

For More Football News:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!

Our Partners

Mayfield Sports Marketing

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.