The Kansas City Chiefs look to stay in the win column when they face the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. Heading into Week 7 with a 3-3 record, a victory over their AFC West rival would be a huge boost.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is playing at an MVP level. During Kansas City’s 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions, Mahomes completed 22-of-30 passes for 257 yards and four total touchdowns, three passing and one rushing.
Mahomes looks to improve his passing game against the Raiders with the return of Rashee Rice, his No. 1 wide receiver. Rice is thrilled to be back following a six-week suspension stemming from a multi-vehicle car crash in 2024. While one major piece of the Chiefs’ offense returns, another crucial part remains missing, starting left tackle Josh Simmons.
A few hours before kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium last week, Simmons abruptly left the team and flew home to California to deal with a family situation, The AP reported. In his place, left tackle Jaylon Moore made his first start of the season.
While details surrounding Simmons’ situation remain murky, the Chiefs revealed his status for Week 7.
Chiefs LT Josh Simmons Will Not Play Against the Raiders, Jaylon Moore Will Start
The Chiefs announced that Simmons will not suit up and play when the Chiefs travel to Allegiant Stadium to face the Raiders on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters earlier on Friday, October 17, Chiefs head Andy Reid confirmed Simmons didn’t attend practice for a third consecutive day.
“Really, the only one who didn’t practice today was Josh,” Reid said. “Still, excused with the family situation, so.” When pressed on the topic, “Personal, yeah, personal,” Reid added. When asked if Simmons’ situation would mean a long-term absence, “No,” Reid answered.
With Simmons out, Moore will once again step up to protect Mahomes’ blind side. Before selecting Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, Kansas City signed Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract. During a press conference on Thursday, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke highly of Moore.
“So No. 1, the good thing about him coming here is that he does have experience,” Nagy said. “No. 2, he’s mentally strong, so he’s always prepared, knowing that he’s that guy at any moment that can go in there. And then the third part, too, is [offensive line] Coach [Andy] Heck does a great job of being able to rotate guys in practice.
“And so you throw all those three together, and then all of a sudden you get kind of a short notice, quick deal that, ‘Hey, you’re going to start and play against one of the best defensive ends in the game.’ What a credit to him.”
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