KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The injury-riddled Kansas City Chiefs lost left tackle Wanya Morris to a left knee injury on the first play against the Houston Texans on Sunday night, leaving their makeshift offensive line with rookie Esa Pole protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
Not exactly an ideal situation against Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. and one of the best pass rushes in the NFL.
Then things got worse for Kansas City: Trent McDuffie hurt his knee later in the first quarter, when the former All-Pro cornerback jumped high in the air while trying in vain to defend a 46-yard pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins.
Meanwhile, the Texans lost running back Nick Chubb to a rib injury. That left Dare Ogunbowale to back up Woody Marks.
The Chiefs already were forced into a patchwork offensive line after rookie left tackle Josh Simmons went on injured reserve this week following surgery to repair a fractured and dislocated wrist, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor was inactive due to a triceps injury.
That meant that primary backup Jaylon Moore was the starter at right tackle and Morris was in the lineup at left tackle.
The Chiefs also were missing standout right guard Trey Smith because of an ankle injury. Mike Caliendo started in his place.
Pole played two seasons at a California junior college and two at Washington State. He went undrafted in April and signed with the Chiefs the following month. He also had a stint with the Jets before returning to Kansas City in late October.
