Chiefs coach Andy Reid clarified Monday that benching left guard Kingsley Suamataia was not punishment for Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos. "This is just between Kingsley and I," Reid stated, reiterating comments made after the 28-24 defeat. Reid emphasized the decision was internal, saying, "It's not something that's earth-shattering." Before the game, Suamataia participated fully in practice and was not on the injury report. However, during pregame warmups, backup Mike Caliendo took most reps at left guard.
Caliendo played all 69 offensive snaps while Suamataia saw just five on special teams. Without Suamataia, the Chiefs struggled running the ball; Kenneth Walker III managed only 69 yards on 21 attempts. Caliendo also had issues in pass protection on the final fourth-and-goal snap from the 6-yard line, resulting in a sack by Malcolm Roach.
Reid has previously denied benching Suamataia as punishment, calling the situation a private matter between coach and player. Despite being benched twice this season, Suamataia is likely to return to the starting lineup for the next game against the New York Jets. Tight end Travis Kelce praised Suamataia, saying, "Everybody has their own road.
We love Kingsley, and we think he's a hell of a player.".
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing