The Kansas City Chiefs came into Sunday’s Week 6 contest against the Detroit Lions relatively healthy, but the club got a late surprise just hours before kickoff.
Right around 2:00 p.m. local time, rookie left tackle Josh Simmons was added to the injury report. Per Kansas City’s official tweet on X, it’s non-injury-related (personal).
Chiefs LT Josh Simmons Added to Injury Report Before Game vs. Lions
Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round pick back in April, has been the starter in each game this season. Five weeks into his NFL career, he’s logged 314 snaps for the reigning AFC champions — good for 95% of those available on offense. He also has 25 special teams snaps on his resume.
This is a new development for Simmons, who was a full participant in each practice this week and carried no original designation into the weekend. Prior to kickoff on Monday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was a late add as well. Week 5’s instance was due to illness, indicating that this may be something separate. He played through the illness in prime time, turning in another solid performance.
Speaking to the media this week, left guard Kingsley Suamataia opened up about his growing on-field chemistry with Simmons. The Chiefs’ left-side offensive line duo is evolving into a quality young tandem.
“Most definitely,” Suamataia said. “It’s my second year [and] Josh’s first year. Just trying to grasp everything I learned my first year and share it with him, especially with the plays, we have a lot of plays but he’s taking it on well, he’s an incredible athlete and I love playing next to him.”
UPDATE: Per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, Simmons is “dealing with a family matter back home in California.” Rapoport describes it as “doubtful” Simmons is back in Kansas City in time for the game.
Simmons was ruled out by the Chiefs just over two hours before kickoff.
Kansas City Desperately Needs Simmons in Week 6 Monday Night Football Bout
Although he fell to the end of round one, Simmons’ collegiate reputation made him a can’t-miss prospect. The Chiefs capitalized on his draft-day slide, and the rest is history. According to Pro Football Focus, his 72.3 pass blocking grade ranks 24th out of 112 qualified tackles. He’s been credited with 12 pressures and 1 sack thus far.
Kansas City’s primary backup behind Simmons and right tackle Jawaan Taylor is offseason signing Jaylon Moore. Moore, who was expected to start at left tackle prior to the selection of Simmons, is on a two-year deal. He has 55 regular-season games of experience with the San Francisco 49ers, but he’s played all of 20 offensive snaps in 2025.
2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris is the Chiefs’ final reserve tackle. He played in all 17 games a year ago, including 11 starts. He’s only been on the field for six offensive snaps this season.
Despite being banged up, the Lions’ defense must be respected. Not only is Aidan Hutchinson one of the best pass rushers in the sport, but others like Tyleik Williams and DJ Reader are formidable presences up front. Al-Quadin Muhammad, who has 3.5 sacks through five weeks, may be in for a career year. Detroit’s defense boasts a 22.8% pressure rate, which ranks seventh in the sport.
Sitting at 2-3 on the year, the Chiefs will need all hands on deck to take down one of the NFC’s best.
