Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid outlined a preseason plan that mirrors a typical in-season Wednesday as the team readies for Friday’s preseason finale against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The session will serve as a dry run for meeting schedules and practice flow, Reid said, before the team ramps up for the regular season.
This year’s exhibition slate is breaking from some preseason norms. After a 33-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Friday, Reid indicated that many starters will see action in Friday’s game, starting the drive and then adjusting from there.
The main focus on the field remains the left side of Kansas City’s offensive line, which has been the standout area of scrutiny in camp and the first two exhibitions. Reid praised the group’s physicality and emphasized that more reps should help them sharpen their timing and technique.
Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons has drawn particular attention from Reid. Simmons, who recovered from a major knee injury suffered at Ohio State last season, has impressed with his approach and consistency. “He’s worked at it. He hasn’t missed a beat here as far as missing a day or any of that,” Reid said, noting Simmons’ availability and work with offensive line coach Andy Heck to keep improving. “He’s a young guy, but he’s been working his tail off.”
Next to Simmons at left guard is Kingsley Suamataia, a second-year player who began his pro career at left tackle but has moved into guard. Reid highlighted the developing partnership between the two and how they’re progressing, especially in the run game. “Those two… they’ve got a little something going there,” Reid said, pointing to their growing chemistry. In passing situations, both are still feeling out alignment and technique, but Reid liked how they’ve handled blitz work and their overall progress. Suamataia’s transition has drawn particular praise for his preparation, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to a new role after starting as a tackle in college.
The Chiefs’ secondary won a Super Bowl LVII with a lineup built around first-round corner Trent McDuffie and several rookie defensive backs who stabilized the unit. Reid voiced optimism that the offense’s young linemen could follow a similar growth arc, hoping the rookies’ development translates into a stronger line that can anchor the offense in 2025.
Additional comments and context:
– Friday’s game is a chance for the left side to demonstrate continuity under real-game pressure, with Simmons and Suamataia getting valuable reps alongside the rest of the starting unit early before they rotate out.
– The plan aligns with Reid’s broader emphasis on coaching development and situational work, using games as teaching tools to refine assignments, communication, and technique along the line.
– If Simmons continues to handle the progression well and Suamataia maintains the adaptability to guard from left to guard, the Chiefs could build a more stable left side that supports both the passing game and the run scheme.
Summary
Kansas City will treat Friday’s matchup with Chicago as a measurement of how the left side of the offensive line is progressing, with starters set to play early before rotations. Josh Simmons has emerged as a hopeful cornerstone at left tackle, and Kingsley Suamataia’s move to guard is beginning to pay dividends as the two work to establish chemistry in both run and pass protection. Reid’s comments signal confidence in the rookies’ work ethic and growth mindset, with expectations that their development could mirror the impact the team has seen from its young defensive backs in recent Super Bowl runs.
Potential positive takeaway
– A productive, game-grade performance from Simmons and Suamataia could set the tone for a more reliable O-line depth chart, giving the Chiefs better offensive balance and protection as they move toward the regular season.
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