RM Chiefs OL Wanya Morris Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury as Kansas City’s O-Line Continues to Crumble
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Wanya Morris will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a knee injury on the team’s first offensive snap in their Week 14 “Sunday Night Football” defeat to the Texans, according to ESPN. Although the broadcast avoided replaying the incident, clips circulating on social media showed Morris’ left knee bending violently in the wrong direction.
Morris was starting in place of left tackle Josh Simmons, who landed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on a dislocated and fractured left wrist suffered during the Chiefs’ Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cowboys. Esa Pole, an undrafted rookie from Washington State who was promoted to the active roster only after Simmons’ injury, replaced Morris in the Chiefs’ 20–10 loss.
Ongoing Offensive Line Issues for Kansas City
Morris’ injury adds to the Chiefs’ growing list of problems along the offensive front. Kansas City is already without Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith and starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
Chiefs Offensive Line
| Position | Week 1 vs. Chargers | End of Week 14 vs. Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Left Tackle | Josh Simmons | Esa Pole |
| Left Guard | Kingsley Suamataia | Kingsley Suamataia |
| Center | Creed Humphrey | Creed Humphrey |
| Right Guard | Trey Smith | Mike Caliendo |
| Right Tackle | Jawaan Taylor | Jaylon Moore |
In total, the Chiefs have cycled through 17 different offensive line combinations this season. Their most frequently used lineup — the original Week 1 starters — has logged 379 snaps together, ranking 14th among all O-line groups league-wide, but they have appeared in only two games since Week 6.
Simmons, the 32nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, missed Weeks 6–10 for personal reasons. Smith injured his ankle in Week 12 against the Colts, and Taylor suffered triceps and ankle injuries in Week 13 versus Dallas.
What Comes Next for Kansas City?
Smith and Taylor were both listed as doubtful before the Texans matchup and were ultimately ruled out, though neither has been placed on IR — an encouraging sign for their potential return. Simmons, however, must remain sidelined at least another three weeks due to his IR designation.
If Taylor is able to come back soon, the Chiefs may consider moving Jaylon Moore back to left tackle, where he previously filled in during Simmons’ earlier absence.
This season has been difficult for the 6–7 Chiefs on multiple fronts, and the constant shuffle along the offensive line hasn’t helped. Against Houston, Patrick Mahomes threw three interceptions, took two sacks, and failed to record a touchdown pass — the first time in his career he has thrown three picks without a passing touchdown.
Kansas City currently sits at No. 10 in the AFC, trailing both the Texans (No. 7) and Colts (No. 8). The Chiefs hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Indianapolis but not over Houston.
The remaining schedule offers little relief: Kansas City hosts the Chargers in Week 15 — a team they already lost to in the season opener — and finishes the year against the Titans, Broncos, and Raiders.
According to SportsLine, the Chiefs now have just a 9% chance of reaching the playoffs, which would mark their first postseason absence since 2014.
