Reid addressed the situation during his media availability on Monday, maintaining a firm stance on keeping the specifics of the personnel change private. While acknowledging the decision, the veteran coach emphasized that the matter remains an internal dialogue between himself and the player, dismissing suggestions that the benching was a punitive response to performance or conduct.
Personnel Changes and Impact on the Field
In the lead-up to the game against Denver, Suamataia had been a full participant in all three of the team's practice sessions and did not appear on the official injury report. However, the pregame warmups revealed a shift in the rotation, with four-year veteran Mike Caliendo taking the majority of the repetitions at left guard. Caliendo ultimately played every one of the Chiefs' 69 offensive snaps, while Suamataia was limited to just five plays on special teams.
The absence of the 2024 second-round draft pick coincided with a challenging day for the Chiefs' ground game. Running back Kenneth Walker III found little room to maneuver, recording only 69 rushing yards across 21 carries. The offensive line also faced a critical breakdown on the final play of the contest; on a fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line, Caliendo was beaten by Broncos defensive end Malcolm Roach, resulting in a game-ending sack on quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Looking Ahead to the New York Jets
This marks the second time this season that Suamataia has been benched, having previously sat out during the Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the recent rotation, Reid has maintained that these decisions are not disciplinary in nature, describing them as part of an ongoing process of working through specific elements with the young lineman.
Teammates have expressed continued support for the offensive lineman as the team prepares for their upcoming fixture against the New York Jets. Tight end Travis Kelce spoke to the camaraderie within the locker room, noting that every player faces a unique developmental path. Kelce emphasized the team's belief in Suamataia’s potential and his readiness to contribute whenever he is called upon again. While the coaching staff has not confirmed the starting lineup for the next game, indications suggest that Suamataia is expected to return to his role on the offensive line.
