Reid defends Suamataia benching against Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid stated that starting left guard Kingsley Suamataia was not punished for his second consecutive benching.

Suamataia sat out the starting lineup for the second road divisional game this season. The Chiefs lost 28-24 to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Kansas City surrendered an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, leaving the AFC West race open.

Reid declined to explain why Suamataia was replaced during the Week 4 game against the Raiders. When reporters pressed him for details after the Broncos loss, Reid called the situation private. He noted that Suamataia practiced all three days before the game. The coach described the arrangement as a way to work through issues between them.

Reid emphasized that Suamataia played on special teams during the Broncos game. This differed from the previous benching. The coach rejected the idea that the move was a disciplinary action. He stated that the team was simply working things out privately.

Backup left guard Mike Caliendo started in Suamataia's place. Caliendo received a 16.8 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, the lowest among Chiefs offensive linemen. His matchup sacked quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the final play of the game.

The Chiefs face the New York Jets next. They kick off Week 9 on Sunday. Suamataia's status for that game has not been confirmed.