Nov 3, 2013; Orchard Park, NY; Chiefs guard Jeff Allen (71) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs are adjusting the offensive line in light of right tackle Donald Stephenson’s four-game suspension to start the regular season.
Starting left guard Jeff Allen will move to right tackle with the first-team unit for Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Veteran Jeff Linkenbach takes Allen’s place at left guard.
The Chiefs tinkered with this grouping during the latter part of training camp, and Allen played tackle in college at Illinois. Linkenbach and Ricky Henry sometimes rotated at the left guard position with the first-team unit when Allen took repetitions at right tackle.
The league on Friday announced Stephenson’s suspension Friday for the third-year pro’s violation of the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances.
Rookie safety Daniel Sorensen draws a third straight preseason start at strong safety in place of Eric Berry, who is battling a right heel injury.
Defensive end Jaye Howard starts at right defensive end for Mike DeVito (hand); second-year pro Nico Johnson starts at left inside linebacker for Joe Mays (wrist); and second-year wide receiver Frankie Hammond starts in place of Dwayne Bowe (quad).
The Chiefs will start cornerback Sean Smith at right cornerback in place of Ron Parker.
