The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to face the Houston Texans on Saturday in the Divisional Round. Although their preparation for the Texans likely began Saturday night or Sunday afternoon, Tuesday was their first day of practice. Thus, Andy Reid held his first key press conference for the 2024/2025 playoff run.

During this press conference, Reid provided the usual updates on potential injuries and lineup changes. One spot to keep an eye on entering Saturday is left tackle. Reid said, “He plans to rotate Joe Thuney and D.J. Humphries in practice this week,” according to Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride. While this may seem like a logical plan, it might do more harm than good.

Chiefs Considering Major Offensive Line Mistake in Divisional Round

On the surface, rotating Humphries back into the lineup during practice this week sounds like the right thing to do. After all, Humphries did miss three of the final four games of the season due to an injury, and Thuney’s rightful position is left guard. However, the Chiefs offensive line has looked the best it has all season with Thuney at left tackle.

In the three games Humphries missed, the Chiefs offensive line gave up one sack. That’s the best they have looked all season, which is impressive, given the competition they were up against. The only team to sack Patrick Mahomes during that stretch was the Texans, but it was only once, so why change something that was working?

Humphries returned in Week 18 and played on an offensive line of mostly backups. in Week 18, Humphries allowed two sacks, one QB hit, 2 QB hurries, and six QB pressures, according to PFF. Inserting that back into the starting lineup for the playoffs seems like a dangerous proposition.

Nevertheless, it would at least make the interior of the offensive line stronger again. Still, it may not be worth it if it means Mahomes goes back to worrying about his blindside. Ultimately, everyone will have to wait and see what Reid decides to do at left tackle for this playoff run.