River Falls, Wis. ? Will Svitek usually leaves the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice field in complete anonymity, with the occasional lone reporter stopping the backup offensive lineman for a question or two.

That all changed Tuesday with the news that the Chiefs’ starting left tackle, Damion McIntosh, could be sidelined for a while because of a knee injury.

Suddenly Svitek, anointed by Kansas City coach Herm Edwards as McIntosh’s replacement, became the most sought-after man in training camp.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Svitek told a gaggle of reporters, television crews and photographers after the team’s morning practice. “I’ve just got to step up. There are no excuses. I’ve got to take advantage of it.”

McIntosh hurt his right knee late Monday afternoon during practice and was taken off the field on a motorized cart. Edwards said Tuesday that doctors were still evaluating McIntosh’s injury, initially diagnosed as a sprain.

“He’s hurting,” Edwards said. “Right now he’s week-to-week. It’ll be a while.”

The Chiefs signed McIntosh, a seven-year veteran who played previously with San Diego and Miami, during the offseason hoping he could fill the void created by left tackle Willie Roaf’s abrupt retirement before last season.

Kansas City also is trying to replace another perennial Pro Bowler, guard Will Shields, who retired in the offseason.

The offensive line, already considered thin and inexperienced behind starters McIntosh, Brian Waters, Casey Wiegmann, John Welbourn and Chris Terry, must now make due without McIntosh.

Edwards said he won’t consider moving Terry from right tackle to the left side, but said veteran Kyle Turley could end up there if Svitek doesn’t pan out.

“It’s (Svitek’s) turn,” Edwards said. “He’s got to go play now. And I anticipate he’s going to go in there and play well.”