Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Dealt Concerning News on Wednesday

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Dealt Concerning News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 2, 2026 3:13 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are now less than two weeks away from the 2026 NFL season, opening with a Week 1 matchup against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football.” The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing preseason, where the starters didn’t play much, finishing with a 0-2-1 record.

Despite missing the NFL playoffs for the first time in his career, Mahomes still had a solid season in 2025. The former Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback completed 315-of-502 passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, adding 422 yards and five scores on the ground. But a torn ACL in Week 15 ended Mahomes’ season early.

And while Mahomes is still expected to start in Week 1, one of his starting offensive linemen was forced to leave practice on Wednesday.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Kingsley Suamataia, after a college career with the Oregon Ducks and BYU Cougars, was selected by Kansas City with the No. 63 pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He began his Chiefs career as the team’s starting left tackle during his rookie year, only to be benched after two games in favor of Wanya Morris.

Suamataia would later transition to the left guard position, where he would start during the 2025 NFL season. And he is expected to remain there in 2026, joining the starting offensive line unit of left tackle Josh Simmons, center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith and right tackle Jaylon Moore.

However, on Wednesday, coach Andy Reid revealed that Suamataia was forced to leave midway through practice, dealing with an illness, potentially leaving Mahomes without another starting offensive lineman going forward. Simmons has also been rehabbing a back injury as of late.

“Andy Reid said Kingsley Suamataia left midway throught practice with an illness,” ESPN’s Nate Taylor wrote on X. “Chris Jones missed today’s practice with a back injury. ‘He’ll be all right,’ Reid said.”

Andy Reid said Kingsley Suamataia left midway throught practice with an illness.

Chris Jones missed today’s practice with a back injury. “He’ll be all right,” Reid said.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 2, 2026