Just moments before kicking off against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made the decision to bench left guard Kingsley Suamataia in favor of Mike Caliendo. At the time, the reasoning was not provided, and it appears that Reid is not willing to provide any context behind the decision.
While talking with media members on Monday after the 28-24 Week 8 loss to the Broncos, the 68-year-old danced around questions regarding Suamataia's benching, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. The only bit of information Reid would provide is that the benching was not a punishment for the three-year pro.
“This is just between Kingsley and I,” Reid said. “It's not something that's earth-shattering. I'll just keep it there. … I didn't say it was punishment, ever. This was just between Kingsley and I, working some things out here. This isn't punishment. I'll leave it at that.”
Suamataia had previously played each of the Chiefs' first six games of the regular season, starting in five of those contests. Based on Reid's comments, it's hard to know why the Utah native was a late healthy scratch from one of the biggest games of the campaign against the Broncos. He was replaced by Caliendo, who is a four-year veteran and career backup.
Article Continues BelowThe Chiefs go into Week 9 with a 5-2 record, sitting in second place in the AFC West. They're set to face off against a struggling New York Jets team at home on November 8. It will be the club's fourth home game of the campaign.