Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter now know who will be protecting Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, All-Pro guard Joe Thuney will get the call at left tackle over D.J. Humphries to start against the Houston Texans, marking his fourth game at the position.
Should there be troubles slowing down Anderson and Hunter, Kansas City could send the former Pro Bowl tackle out to his natural position, thus shifting Thuney back into his regular role. Mike Caliendo will once again start at left guard,
The left tackle role has been a revolving door for the AFC’s top seed in 2024. They began the year cycling between Wanya Morris and 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia, but neither seemed poised to retain the title.
In November, the Chiefs signed Humphries to a one-year deal to start him immediately. While learning the offense under play-caller Matt Nagy, Thuney to the outside.
Humphries, a former starter with the Arizona Cardinals, lasted only one game before getting injured. He missed three straight games before returning and had to sit out the next three before resuming his role in the regular-season finale against the Broncos while the rest of the starters rested.
#Chiefs plan to start Joe Thuney at left tackle Saturday vs. #Texans, per sources. D.J. Humphries is healthy, but Thuney, a Pro Bowl guard, flourished in tackle relief while Humphries was hurt. So, Chiefs prepared to ride the hot hand. pic.twitter.com/ep1vvU8VGL
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 17, 2025
During the week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid refused to say which direction he’ll turn. When asked Thursday who would start, the veteran coach declined to answer.
“I’m going to do the same thing. I’ve taken it this far,” Reid said. “I’m going to get with the coaches and just make sure what they want and where we’re at with that, but they’ve both been in there. They’ve both been in there and done a nice job. It’s a good — that’s a positive thing.”
When asked who Mahomes feels comfortable with, Reid said either option is a serviceable one in the eyes of the two-time MVP.
“Listen, [Mahomes] likes both guys,” Reid said. “He trusts those guys and that’s where he’s at, but I always keep that in mind for sure.”
Kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN and ABC.
