Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) congratulates team mates coming off the field against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Arrowhead Stadium
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) congratulates team mates coming off the field against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Arrowhead Stadium
October 5, 2026 Featured, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL
The Kansas City Chiefs left Las Vegas with a 30-27 win over the Raiders and a perfect 4-0 record. Patrick Mahomes and the offense piled up 399 yards, which should have made for a quiet postgame. Instead, the questions centered on guard Kingsley Suamataia. Head coach Andy Reid spoke about it before reporters could ask, and his answer left plenty of room for debate.
Andy Reid explains little about Kingsley Suamataia benching
Suamataia did not play a single snap in the win. Mike Caliendo started at left guard instead, even though he entered the day as the regular starter. The team called it a coaching decision, and Suamataia was not listed with an injury.
He had played in the first three games this season, and there was no pregame sign that a change was coming.
Kingsley SuamataiaKingsley Suamataia
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Reid shut down questions early in his opening statement. He told reporters, “That’s between Kingsley and I.” He explained the team will figure it out and that both sides will be better for it down the road. When pressed on discipline, he repeated the answer and said he meant it.
Mahomes backed Caliendo, who handled a strong Raiders defensive line. Mahomes said afterward, “I have a ton of trust in him.” He also expects Suamataia back in the fold soon.
Former NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz offered a sharper take on X. He argued Reid would not bench a productive starter without weighing the fallout.
“He clearly broke rules and lost the trust of Reid.” Schwartz then wrote. The team has not confirmed any rules issue.
Do Chiefs fans think Andy Reid didn’t think about the implications of benching Kingsley before he did it? He clearly broke rules and lost the trust of Reid.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 5, 2026
However, Suamataia’s path to this point explains why the decision stunned so many.
Suamataia’s path from early struggles to a breakout at guard
The Chiefs drafted Suamataia 63rd overall in 2024 out of BYU. He opened his rookie year as the starting left tackle, but Reid pulled him late in a Week 2 win over the Bengals after Trey Hendrickson beat him for two sacks. Wanya Morris started the following week against Atlanta.
The move inside changed things. After the Chiefs traded Joe Thuney to the Bears, Suamataia settled in at left guard. Entering Week 4, he had the lowest pressure rate allowed among NFL starting left guards, at 3.8%.
Kingsley SuamataiaKingsley Suamataia
Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) greets fans after the win over the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
That record makes Sunday’s decision harder to explain on performance alone. It also shows Reid has benched Suamataia before, though this time the reason is private. Caliendo’s pass protection drew mixed reviews, with Mahomes praising it and some outlets noting struggles.
Kansas City sits at 4-0 and now gets a bye week to move past the distraction. The Chiefs host the winless Chargers at Arrowhead on Oct. 18, while Los Angeles, 0-4, searches for its first win under Jim Harbaugh.
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