By admin 
Ahead of their playoff showdown with the Houston Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs have made a notable change to their offensive line, benching former Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries despite him being healthy. Pro Bowl guard Joe Thuney will start at left tackle, a position he filled temporarily when Humphries was sidelined with a hamstring injury. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Chiefs are “riding the hot hand,” opting to continue with Thuney due to his solid performances.
Humphries’ journey to Kansas City was not an easy one. After suffering a torn ACL at the end of the 2023 season, he was released by the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason. He worked tirelessly through rehab and was eventually signed by the Chiefs late in the 2024 season. This move was seen as a perfect fit for both sides, as Humphries believed he still had plenty to offer, while the Chiefs were looking to bolster their offensive line to protect Patrick Mahomes during their quest for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl win.
Reflecting on his release from the Cardinals, Humphries shared a candid moment with his family. He explained the situation to his kids, unsure of how to break the news, but his son’s response was unexpectedly positive. “I really want you to go to Kansas City so you can play with Patrick Mahomes and probably win a Super Bowl,” his son said, showing unwavering support for the move to Kansas City.
Joe Thuney’s performance during Humphries’ injury has been a key factor in this lineup change. Thuney, who is primarily a guard, adapted seamlessly to the left tackle role and played admirably. His play has been solid enough to earn him the starting position over Humphries for the playoff game, as the Chiefs focus on ensuring Mahomes stays protected in their pursuit of another championship.
While Humphries is temporarily sidelined, he remains a valuable part of the Chiefs’ roster. Depth along the offensive line is crucial in the playoffs, and should injuries or other challenges arise, Humphries’ experience could be essential. For now, though, the Chiefs are choosing to go with Thuney, whose performance has given the team confidence moving forward.
In conclusion, the Chiefs’ decision to bench D.J. Humphries in favor of Joe Thuney highlights their focus on maintaining a stable and effective offensive line for the playoffs. This move shows the team’s commitment to winning and protecting Mahomes, but Humphries’ journey with the Chiefs is far from over, and his experience could still play a significant role as the postseason unfolds.