Sometimes an unfortunate situation has an underlying positive.
That was the case Saturday afternoon at Soldier Field in Chicago, where the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff ruled out starting center Mitch Morse less than 5 minutes before kickoff due to an illness.
"I was kind of keeping my eye on Mitch the whole time [before the game]," offensive lineman Zach Fulton and Morse's replacement for the game, said. "He kind of told me as well."
Morse hadn't really been feeling right all week, so when that continued Saturday, head coach Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck went in a different direction.
That direction was Fulton, who also happened to have his father and Michael Patterson, one of his high school coaches, in attendance. This was the first time Fulton was playing as a professional in his home state of Illinois, where he attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
"It was definitely a pretty cool feeling," Fulton said. "It was my first time being home during a football season since high school, so it was actually pretty cool to finally play here and play at home."
Fulton, who off the field is quiet and mild mannered, told his fellow linemen how much it meant to him to be starting in Chicago after the first offensive series, which resulted in a field goal and 3 points.
"It worked out real well," Parker Ehinger, the team's starting left guard, said. "We play well together and with him being able to step up with Mitch going out, he did a great job in there. We communicated well and I feel like we were getting the ball pretty well and we passed the ball even better."
The starting offensive line played the entire first half along with the first-team offense. Altogether, that led to 239 total net yards, including 14 rush attempts for 62 yards and 181 yards passing for Alex Smith. Smith was only sacked once the entire half, and the Chiefs took a 13-0 lead into the locker room.
The Chiefs eventually defeated the Bears, 23-7, for their first preseason win of the season.
Photos from the Chiefs third preseason game against the Chicago Bears
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin March (59) dives for Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (81) catches a kickoff during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) makes a catch during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) on the field during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz (71) looks to block Chicago Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (96) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) rolls out of the pocket during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Anthony Sherman (42) runs past Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid looks up at the scoreboard during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs with the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) makes a call on the field during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Eric Fisher (72) blocks Chicago Bears linebacker Sam Acho (49) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Cairo Santos (5) points up to the sky after making a field goal during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) celebrates a sack with defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Murray (21) defends Chicago Bears defensive back Sherrick McManis (27) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker (38) talks with defensive back Marcus Peters (22) during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Jaye Howard (96) wraps up Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin March (59) wraps up Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Marcus Peters (22) defends Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs take on the Chicago Bears in a preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Zach Fulton (73) at the line of scrimmage during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Members of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sideline during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs through the tackle of Chicago Bears cornerback Ryan White (31) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) signals a first down during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Parker Ehinger (79) battles Chicago Bears defensive lineman Eddie Goldman (91) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Daniel Munyer (64) blocks Chicago Bears linebacker Willie Young (97) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Bears running back Jacquizz Rodgers (35) is dragged down by Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Dontari Poe (92) during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones (95) celebrates during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris (84) is tripped up by Chicago Bears defensive back Harold Jones-Quartey (29) after making a catch during the first half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris (84) makes a catch during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (81) leaps over teammate tight end Travis Kelce (87) during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) carries the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) stretches across the goal line to score a touchdown during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sideline during the first half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Cairo Santos (5) kicks off during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) is dragged down by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jamell Fleming (30) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jamell Fleming (30) stops Chicago Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey (25) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ramik Wilson (53) wrestle down Chicago Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey (25) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ramik Wilson (53) wrestle down Chicago Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey (25) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Jimmy Staten (94) attempts to block a field goal during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Nick Foles (4) drops back to pass during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (81) turns back to make a catch over Chicago Bears defensive back Deiondre' Hall (32) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (81) runs past Chicago Bears defensive back Deiondre' Hall (32) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrin Reaves (24) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones (95) drags down Chicago Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey (25) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones (95) celebrates a tackle during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Terrance Smith (62) stops Chicago Bears wide receiver Joshua Bellamy (11) in his tracks during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Joshua Bellamy (11) is brought down by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Terrance Smith (62) and defensive back Marcus Cooper (31) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dadi Nicolas (52) leaps in an attempt to block a punt during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
A football lays on the field during the Kansas City Chiefs preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jarrod Pughsley (60) blocks Chicago Bears defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (74) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray (7) throws a pass during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Frankie Hammond (85) makes a catch in front of Chicago Bears defensive back Deiondre' Hall (32) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) is brought down by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ramik Wilson (53) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dadi Nicolas (52) battles Chicago Bears tight end Khari Lee (82) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) runs past Chicago Bears cornerback Ryan White (31) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
A Kansas City Chiefs fan holds up a flag during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rod Streater (10) is defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Deiondre' Hall (32) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jordan Devey (77) battles Chicago Bears defensive lineman Keith Browner (76) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end James O'Shaughnessy (82) runs past Chicago Bears defensive back DeAndre Houston-Carson (36) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Brock Vereen (43) defends Chicago Bears wide receiver Joshua Bellamy (11) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrin Reaves (24) leaps at the ankles of Chicago Bears wide receiver Daniel Braverman (83) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Nick Williams (98) lines up during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sideline during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs fans dressed as nuns in the stands during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jeron Johnson (39) wraps up Chicago Bears wide receiver Cameron Meredith (81) during the second half of the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) hands the ball of to running back Knile Davis (34) during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Da'Ron Brown (1) makes a catch during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back KeiVarae Russell (26) on the field during the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) fist bumps offensive lineman Jarrod Pughsley (60) after the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. The Chiefs beat the Bears 23-7.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jeron Johnson (39) poses for a picture with Chicago Bears offensive lineman Charles Leno (72) after the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones (95) yells with excitement after the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (81) exchanges jerseys with Chicago Bears cornerback Kevin Peterson (25) after the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman David King (93), long snapper James Winchester (41), and defensive back Jamell Fleming (30) pose for a picture with Chicago Bears defensive back Demontre Hurst (30) after the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Marcus Cooper (31) exchanges jerseys with Chicago Bears wide receiver B.J. Daniels (1) after the preseason game, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois.
Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) high fives fans after the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. The Chiefs beat the Bears 23-7.
Kansas City Chiefs fans celebrate after the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. The Chiefs beat the Bears 23-7.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) high fives fans after the preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. The Chiefs beat the Bears 23-7.
"The way we were clicking on offense today in the first half, it feels good," Ehinger added. "It's good to get out there and knock off some of the rust that we had from the previous game. [We made] some minor corrections, but it's looking good going into the final preseason game. It was good to get a win under our belt in the preseason."
Saturday marked the fourth start ever for Fulton at center, a position he had never played, including high school and college, before last year.
With Morse out due to a concussion in 2015, Fulton had to fill in at center during Kansas City's final regular season game and both playoff games.
Though it was unfortunate Morse was sick, the Chiefs know they have a backup they can trust in Fulton. "It was very seamless," Ehinger said of Fulton playing Saturday. "They've been kind of rotating guys in and Zach's been a guy that kind of rotates in with me sometimes or with Mitch or right guard. Zach matches well with a lot of us. He's good out there when it comes to making calls. It was a pretty seamless transition."
