Patrick Mahomes’ new “bodyguard” gets the nod from Chiefs defensive star: “I respect his work a lot”

Patrick Mahomes is one of the most sacked quarterbacks this season. In a desperate attempt to remedy that situation, head coach Andy Reid brought in veteran DJ Humphries, a move that just got the seal of approval from star defensive tackle Chris Jones.

With 32 scrimmage takedowns this year, Mahomes is the eighth-most sacked quarterback this season. In 12 games, Reid has tried three different left tackles, but neither Kingsley Suamataia, Wanya Morris, nor Joe Thuney were up to the task.

In the Week 13 game against the Las Vegas Raiders alone, Mahomes was sacked five times. So Reid and the team’s front office decided to bring in Humphries, much to Mahomes’ relief and Jones’ approval.

DJ Humphries .. working. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/6VPkYEwWMy

— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) December 5, 2024

Chris Jones approved Humphries’ arrival

The Chiefs signed Humphries on Nov. 25, but had kept him on hold while he learned Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy’s system. The eight-year veteran is expected to be ready to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, and Jones can’t wait to see him in action.

“I have a lot of respect for his game,”Jones said when asked about the former Arizona Cardinal’s arrival. Furthermore, the Chiefs’ star defensive lineman showed full confidence in the reinforcement by saying, “I think he’s going to be an asset to this offensive unit.”

Reid has not said when he will send Humphries on the field, but he explained that he will do so when the player feels ready and when the situation demands it. With nearly two weeks on the team, Humphries is likely to start seeing action in the Sunday Night Football game.

Sounds as if LT DJ Humphries will start Sunday barring any setbacks during practice this week. Here’s what QB Patrick Mahomes says about DJ’s progress thus far. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/rAzxSr8TcJ

— Rob Collins (@RobCollinsTV) December 4, 2024

Mahomes confident in offensive line

Despite being one of the most abused quarterbacks in the NFL this season, Mahomes still has confidence in his offensive line. “I’ve played with all those guys before and I know those guys are out there battling,” the Chiefs star said.  Mahomes knows that despite the issues, he can trust the work of his offensive line. “They’re out there and they’ve played winning football before and so I just go about my business,” he said.

Humphries may be the bulwark that gives Mahomes the protection and time he needs to continue shining at the helm of the Chiefs. But we will only know for sure when he steps onto the field for the first time.