While the 12-1 Kansas City Chiefs have already clinched the AFC West and are in the driver’s seat for the conference’s top seed (and first-round playoff bye), the team faces a significant question mark at the left tackle position.

Before Thursday’s practice, Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck discussed the all-important blindside blocking role that has rotated between recent Day 2 draft picks Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia, only to see veteran D.J. Humphries take over shortly after joining the team in late November.

Humphries started the team’s Week 14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers (in his first action since suffering a torn ACL late in the 2023 season while with the Arizona Cardinals). Heck was high on what he saw from Humphries.

“I was really encouraged by what I saw from him,” the coach stated. “[He was] really pretty good with his hand use — which, after such a long, extended period without a lot of practice, that came back to him quickly.

“He’s a veteran. He’s played a lot of football. So, some of that muscle memory kicked in. His sets, I thought, improved as the game went on. So, I was really encouraged by that.”

Unfortunately, Humphries left the field on Kansas City’s final possession against the Chargers with a hamstring injury. His status for Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns appears in doubt after he missed the Chiefs’ first two practices this week.

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Should the Chiefs make yet another change at left tackle on Sunday, Heck did not reveal whether Morris would return to the lineup or if the team would see left guard Joe Thuney temporarily move outside. He reiterated that the call ultimately belonged to head coach Andy Reid.

“We’ve got a lot of options here, and ultimately, coach Reid will make that decision,” Heck confirmed.

Although Morris and Suamataia have struggled while on the field, Heck noted the efforts both young players continue to show in practice. He also appreciated how Morris reacted to being taken out of the lineup for Humphries — and the poise the second-year pro showed coming off the bench for the Chiefs’ final nine snaps Sunday.

“I thought [Morris] handled that whole situation like a pro,” said Heck, “from the moment we talked to him about what our plans were [and] what our intentions were. He approached it the right way and went out. As a young player, he’s continuing to work — as we all are — to get better.

“I thought he did that, and then when he was called on — I mean, you’ve got to be ready, you know, things happen, and he was — he stepped in. I thought he did a good job.”

Heck reported strong showings for Suamataia in practice.

“[He’s] also handling it like a pro, a young pro —but he’s working very hard every day, and I’m seeing some improvement out of him,” remarked Heck. “I really like both of our young tackles and their ability and how they’re working right now.”

While Heck still sees Suamataia as a possible future starting tackle, he revealed that the rookie has worked at other positions.

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“He’s got left tackle ability, for sure,” Heck observed, “and I love what he can do out there. But like all of our linemen, we train him to play multiple positions. So, you’ll see him in practice; he’ll jump in at guard. We don’t peg anybody as ‘He’s this or that.’”

While Heck’s unit has struggled at times, the coach knows what can lead to improvement.

“I’d say the same thing that gets our offense in rhythm,” he offered, “when you’re staying ahead of the chains, you’re being positive on first and second down, you get into third and manageable. Obvious things, but when that happens and guys start feeling that you’re in a flow, now you’re playing freer [and] you’re playing more confidently.

“It’s a trickle-down effect, and you’ve got to start fast. Coach does a great job of setting up his play calls — his famous first [15 plays]. That really, I think, a lot of times helps our offense get into a rhythm.”

With the Browns on the docket, Heck echoes sentiments shared on Wednesday about edge rusher Myles Garrett, a five-time Pro Bowl selection. While whoever ultimately starts at left tackle will see plenty of Garrett, the Chiefs’ entire line should be prepared to line up opposite the pass rusher. Heck also knows the Browns’ defense has threatening options beyond their star.

“I would say he’ll be everyone’s issue at some point,” he predicted. “Of course, he loves to line up on our left a lot, but everybody’s going to have an opportunity to block him, and he’s a great player. Really, they’ve got an outstanding front. Like a lot of the teams we’ve faced, their front seven is their strength — particularly that front.

“Those guys get off the bus rushing the passer. Now, they’re going to be at home. They’re going to be coming off the rock, and they do a great job of getting upfield and creating penetration and problems for offense. So, it’s a good challenge for us.”