Chiefs take a major Week 3 risk that could put Patrick Mahomes in danger

On Sunday night against the Falcons, Patrick Mahomes may be in peril due to the Kansas City Chiefs’ latest gamble.

On Sunday night, Patrick Mahomes might have to flee for his life. Alternatively, if the Kansas City Chiefs have their way, they may have at last a long-term left tackle option.

Against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Kansas City learned the hard way what happens when the blind slide isn’t fully secured. Though the home team ultimately prevailed at Arrowhead, Mahomes’ day was turned into a living nightmare by Bengals great pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.

The Chiefs would want to keep it clean for Mahomes, even if he is talented enough to make plays even when his pocket is bursting. Right now, Kansas City’s $500 million investment appears to be a good deal. However, the more hits Mahomes takes, the greater the chance that he may sustain another injury, similar to the high ankle sprain that almost prevented him from playing in the postseason in 2023.

When Mahomes can stay in the pocket or produce when a play breaks down of his own volition, the Chiefs offense performs at its peak. He had to improvise last Sunday, in part because of pass-rushers like Hendrickson.

Kansas City Chiefs make a change on Patrick Mahomes blind side

Andy Reid is making a dramatic switch this week, giving Wanya Morris the majority of the reps instead of continuing with 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia, who thrilled the Chiefs and fans during training camp. This is by no means a benching of Suamataia; rather, he should continue to be included in the offensive line rotations.

“We haven’t lost confidence in him,” Reid said. “He was going against a good player, and he’s got to learn from it.” Reid also claimed that Suamataia “needed to take a step back to take a step forward.”

Although Morris is not likely to make an All-Pro squad anytime soon, Mahomes at least understands what to anticipate from the more experienced player. The quarterback who would go on to become a Hall of Famer realized he needed better on his blind side after seeing the tape of the Chiefs’ victory over the Bengals.

“I thought Kingsley had good snaps — [and] had bad snaps,” Mahomes said. “It’s just part of the process of being a rookie [and] going up against a great pass rusher. But I think you saw he took accountability; he’s learning from it.”

Even though Suamataia is only a rookie, the Chiefs cannot afford to let him pick up new skills quickly at such a crucial position. It’s unclear if Reid intends to ask the two to split the photos or gives Morris the majority.