Kansas City, Mo. – In a move that underscores the Chiefs’ ongoing effort to solidify their offensive line, head coach Andy Reid has again demoted left guard Kingsley Suamataia to a backup role. Veteran Mike Caliendo, a fifth‑year player with the club, will start at left guard for the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Background on the shuffle
Suamataia, a second‑round pick out of BYU in the 2024 draft, earned the starting left guard job last season and logged 98% of the offensive snaps in 2025. He briefly returned to the starting lineup in Week 6 when the Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and remained the starter through the loss to Seattle. However, after the bye week, Reid opted to give Caliendo the nod.
Reid was asked about the decision after the Raiders game in Las Vegas on Oct. 4, when Caliendo first saw action at left guard. “As far as the Kingsley thing goes, that’s between Kingsley and I,” Reid said. “But we’ll figure it out, and down the road we’ll be better as a team for it, and Kingsley will be better for it.”
Mike Caliendo’s profile
Caliendo entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Western Michigan in 2022, spending his rookie year on the practice squad. Over the past four seasons he has appeared in 49 games with nine starts, though he has never played more than 38% of the offensive snaps in a single season. This season, his experience and depth give the coaching staff a reliable option when the line needs stability.
Other offensive line notes
The Chiefs have also dealt with injuries at left tackle. First‑round pick Josh Simmons, selected in 2025, missed the first five games after a bulging disc was diagnosed in training camp. He was later replaced by undrafted rookie Khalil Benson, who subsequently landed on injured reserve following a reported mid‑week meeting issue involving Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Right tackle Jaylon Moore missed the Seattle loss while in concussion protocol but returned for the Denver game, providing additional depth on the right side.
Impact on the upcoming matchup
The Broncos will present a stout defensive front, and the Chiefs are counting on a cohesive offensive line to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes and open lanes for the running game. By inserting Caliendo, Reid signals a commitment to consistency and veteran presence as the team aims to maintain its unbeaten streak heading into the second half of the season.
Fans can expect the Chiefs to continue emphasizing a balanced attack, relying on both the passing prowess of Mahomes and the ground game anchored by running back Isiah Pacheco. The offensive line shuffle is part of a broader strategy to keep the unit healthy and effective as the AFC West battle intensifies.
What’s next for Suamataia
While Suamataia returns to a backup role, the coaching staff has indicated that the move is intended to benefit both the player and the team in the long term. The young lineman remains a key depth piece and could see playing time if injuries arise or performance dictates another change.
Chiefs supporters will be watching closely as the team prepares for the Denver showdown, hoping the adjustments on the line translate into continued success on the field.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
