The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line unit finally found its groove in recent weeks after finding a formula that works. But as the playoffs approach and veteran D.J. Humphries gets closer to full strength, head coach Andy Reid is left with a tough situation.
The Chiefs have struggled along the offensive line this season but found a combination that works. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been sacked a career-high 35 times over the first 13 games of the 2024 season.
Going into Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns, Reid benched second-year tackle Wanya Morris and, moved left guard Joe Thuney to left tackle and plugged in backup Mike Caliendo at left guard.
Since the o-line change, Kansas City has seen a dramatic increase in the offense’s production, and Mahomes has been sacked only once. But with playoffs coming up, Andy Reid has a decision to make if D.J. Humphries is ready to go by the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs.
Does he stick with what’s worked or move Joe Thuney back to LG and trust Humphries to protect Mahomes’ blind side?
On Monday, Reid gave an update about Humphries’ injury status.
“He’s [D.J. Humphries] doing good,” Reid began. “I can’t make any promises [but] I want to get him out of practice and see where we’re at. He is doing good in his rehab part [but] that’s different than being on the field, so I’d like to see how he does there,” Reid explained.
Humphries suffered a hamstring injury in his Chiefs debut against the Los Angeles Chargers back on December 8. Fans probably prefer Reid to stick with the hot hand, with Thuney and Caliendo supporting the left side of the o-line.
Reid says he’s pleased with how the current line is playing but explains he ideally wants Humphries to return as the team’s left tackle and Thuney to return to his original spot at left guard.
“I’ve been happy with [Mike] Caliendo and how he’s played. I’ve been happy with Joe [Thuney] and how he’s played. I appreciate them jumping in and keeping the level of play up,” Reid confirmed to reporters.
“I’m curious to see where D.J. [Humphries] is at and if he can do anything. I just want to see where we’re at, and I’ll evaluate that as we go down the stretch here.”
Luckily, Reid has time to figure out what arrangement he wants his offensive line to be in before they’ll have to play in another important game. The Chiefs won’t play their starters for another three weeks until the start of the divisional round.
