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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2024 season with hopes that the team can become the first to ever secure a third Super Bowl victory in a row. The threepeat would make Kansas City the first team to secure back-to-back championships since the New England Patriots accomplished the feat back in the 2003 and 2004 seasons, and cement the franchise's place as a unique dynasty in NFL history.
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With a host of offensive and defensive stars returning to the team in 2024, the Chiefs are already favored to make it to the big game. However, there could be some trouble on the offensive line, as one of the starting tackles reportedly exited practice Wednesday on a cart.
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The first report of Jawaan Taylor indicated that the tackle was being held out of one-on-ones, but no reason was offered as to why. However, things got a bit more worrisome when he exited practice on a cart.
Reporters at Chiefs training camp indicated that Taylor left in the front seat of the cart as opposed to having to lay down in the back — a potential good omen. Still, there appears to be some sort of concerning aspect to Taylor's absence.
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Taylor is the starting right tackle and is part of a fantastic offensive line that continually keeps quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright. Should Taylor have been hit with a severe injury, the team will need to pivot to ensure the line can maintain its stalwart status in 2024.
So far, Lucas Niang and Ethan Driskell are the backup right tackles on the depth chart.
The Chiefs rearranged the line during practice with the absence of both Joe Thuney and Taylor. Niang stepped in as right tackle, and Mike Caliendo is taking over at left guard for Thuney.
Thuney injured his pectoral muscle in the Divisional Round of the 2023 Playoffs, resulting in his missing action in the Super Bowl. He remains on the PUP list while recovering from the injury.
The Chiefs will need their entire line to operate at a high level to protect Mahomes and ensure they can open running lanes for running back Isiah Pacheco.
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Losing Thuney is already a tough hit for the line, but should Taylor miss extended time as well — the Chiefs might have to sign some veterans in the free agent market.
The hope is that Taylor will return to practice soon, and his exiting practice on the front of the cart was due to something minor. Even if it's minor, it's one more concern than the Chiefs faced when the day began.
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