With just four games left in the regular season, the Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly weighing significant adjustments to their offensive lineup. The team has been plagued by injuries throughout 2024, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Positive Injury Updates for the Chiefs
Amid the adversity, the Chiefs received encouraging news this week. Kicker Harrison Butker and wide receiver Marquise Brown had their 21-day practice windows activated. Butker has been sidelined for four weeks due to a knee injury, while Brown has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the preseason opener.
Fresh Injury Concerns After Sunday’s Game
The injury woes continued during Kansas City’s narrow 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Veteran left tackle DJ Humphries, recently signed to bolster the offensive line, suffered a hamstring injury in his debut. His absence compounds the team’s issues, with second-year player Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia both benched earlier this season.
The Chiefs’ Wednesday injury report confirmed Humphries did not participate in practice, leaving his status uncertain for upcoming games.
Joe Thuney May Step Up at Left Tackle
In light of Humphries’ injury, the Chiefs are reportedly considering moving veteran offensive guard Joe Thuney to left tackle, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Thuney briefly played left tackle during Kansas City’s Week 13 win against the Las Vegas Raiders and could now take on the role more permanently if needed.
“The Chiefs are hopeful about newly signed tackle D.J. Humphries, who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring issue,” Graziano reported. “He underwent an MRI earlier this week, and the team hopes he won’t miss time. If he does, the Chiefs are optimistic about Wanya Morris’ recent improvement and are prepared to explore all solutions, including moving Joe Thuney to left tackle.”
Thuney, a three-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since 2021. The 32-year-old lineman has started 142 games in his career, primarily at left guard, and brings experience and versatility to Kansas City’s injury-stricken offensive line.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Chiefs face mounting challenges but remain determined to adapt and compete.
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