Posted on Dec 08

Chiefs LT Morris suffers season-ending injury as team loses to Texans, 20-10

Posted Dec 8, 2025

In a challenging game against the Houston Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs sustained significant injuries to their offensive line, affecting their performance and depth.

Why it matters: The loss of starting left tackle Wanya Morris to a season-ending knee injury compounds the Chiefs' ongoing struggles with their offensive line, already missing key players due to various ailments.

Morris was injured on the first snap while executing a run block and was seen leaving the field on crutches.
This injury adds to the absence of Josh Simmons, who is on injured reserve following surgery for a fractured wrist, and Jaylon Moore, filling in at left tackle, has also been sidelined by an injury.

What’s new: Esa Pole, an undrafted rookie making his NFL debut, stepped in for Morris and performed admirably under pressure.

In 21 snaps against star pass rusher Danielle Hunter, Pole allowed only one pressure, showcasing resilience in a difficult situation.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised Pole's effort, stating, “He gave me time to throw the ball downfield in some big situations.”

Yes, but: Despite Pole's commendable performance, the Chiefs ultimately fell to the Texans, losing 20-10.

The Chiefs began the game with three backup linemen protecting Mahomes, which disrupted their offensive flow.
Without a fully healthy offensive line, the team's ability to execute its offensive schemes effectively is compromised.

By the numbers: The Chiefs have had a turbulent stretch with injuries along the line, impacting their overall productivity.

Prior to this game, they averaged 27.5 points per game when Moore started at left tackle earlier in the season; this contrast highlights how critical health is to their offensive output.
With Trey Smith also missing consecutive games due to a sprained ankle, the offensive line's instability could hinder the team's playoff aspirations.

The bottom line: The Chiefs must navigate a precarious situation as they attempt to secure a playoff spot amid an injury-riddled season.

The offensive line's struggles will need to be addressed if they hope to support Mahomes effectively moving forward.
As they adapt to these challenges, the team will rely heavily on the performances of rookies like Pole and backups stepping into more significant roles.

Chiefs LT Morris suffers season-ending injury as team loses to Texans, 20-10

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 8, 2025

In a challenging game against the Houston Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs sustained significant injuries to their offensive line, affecting their performance and depth.

Morris was injured on the first snap while executing a run block and was seen leaving the field on crutches.

This injury adds to the absence of Josh Simmons, who is on injured reserve following surgery for a fractured wrist, and Jaylon Moore, filling in at left tackle, has also been sidelined by an injury.

What’s new: Esa Pole, an undrafted rookie making his NFL debut, stepped in for Morris and performed admirably under pressure.

In 21 snaps against star pass rusher Danielle Hunter, Pole allowed only one pressure, showcasing resilience in a difficult situation.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised Pole's effort, stating, “He gave me time to throw the ball downfield in some big situations.”

Yes, but: Despite Pole's commendable performance, the Chiefs ultimately fell to the Texans, losing 20-10.

The Chiefs began the game with three backup linemen protecting Mahomes, which disrupted their offensive flow.

Without a fully healthy offensive line, the team's ability to execute its offensive schemes effectively is compromised.

By the numbers: The Chiefs have had a turbulent stretch with injuries along the line, impacting their overall productivity.

Prior to this game, they averaged 27.5 points per game when Moore started at left tackle earlier in the season; this contrast highlights how critical health is to their offensive output.

With Trey Smith also missing consecutive games due to a sprained ankle, the offensive line's instability could hinder the team's playoff aspirations.

The bottom line: The Chiefs must navigate a precarious situation as they attempt to secure a playoff spot amid an injury-riddled season.

The offensive line's struggles will need to be addressed if they hope to support Mahomes effectively moving forward.

As they adapt to these challenges, the team will rely heavily on the performances of rookies like Pole and backups stepping into more significant roles.