The Chiefs placed rookie left tackle Josh Simmons on IR this week. But he’s not the only offensive lineman they’ll be missing in Week 14 as they prepare to face the Texans’ red-hot No. 1 defense.
They’re also without starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, out with a tricep and knee injury, and starting right guard Trey Smith, who is out with an ankle injury. Both players missed each of the team’s three practices this week and were doubtful for Sunday night’s contest against the Texans.
It’s expected that the starting lineup could look as follows (* denotes usual starter):
Left tackle — Wanya Morris
Left guard — Kingsley Suamataia*
Center — Creed Humphrey*
Right guard — Mike Caliendo
Right tackle — Jaylon Moore
Notably, Caliendo, Morris and Moore have the three worst pass-blocking grades among Chiefs offensive linemen to play 15-plus snaps this season. They’ve combined to allow four total sacks in just 695 pass-blocking opportunities in comparison to Simmons, Smith, and Taylor, who have allowed six total sacks on 1,863 pass-blocking opportunities, per PFF.
Houston had PFF’s second-highest-graded pass-rush unit at 89.0 heading into Week 14, only behind the Cleveland Browns, who are led by NFL sack leader Myles Garrett. The Texans entered the week with 34.0 sacks, tied for the sixth-most in the league.
Houston had PFF’s second-highest-graded pass-rush unit at 89.0 heading into Week 14, only behind the Cleveland Browns, who are led by NFL sack leader Myles Garrett. The Texans entered the week with 34.0 sacks, tied for the sixth-most in the league.
That will put the pressure on (literally) the Chiefs’ offensive line to keep Patrick Mahomes upright in primetime, having taken three-plus sacks in five consecutive games.