The Kansas City Chiefs placed left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve while facing additional absences including Jaylon Moore with a concussion ahead of their Week 7 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Story
The Kansas City Chiefs have made another adjustment to their offensive lineup for Week 7 after placing offensive tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve, a move that removes him from the active roster and extends the uncertainty at left tackle.
Simmons landed on injured reserve Thursday due to a bulging disk in his lower back. The Chiefs said he had already missed Kansas City’s first five games, and the IR placement guarantees at least four additional games on the sideline.
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said Simmons’ rehabilitation had “plateaued” before he reached the final stage needed for competition, adding that surgery was not recommended but additional recovery time was necessary.
With Simmons sidelined and his absence not tied to an imminent return, Kahlil Benson—an undrafted rookie—will continue at left tackle. The Chiefs also expect Joshua Ezeudu to replace Moore on the right side against Seattle.
Jaylon Moore is also unavailable for the Seahawks game after missing every practice this week with a concussion.
In addition to Simmons and Moore, the Chiefs will have to play without Rashee Rice and Brashard Smith. Rice was listed as nonparticipant on three consecutive occasions before being ruled out with hamstring and knee injuries, and Smith is out with an injury identified as a hamstring issue.
Despite the offensive absences, Kansas City will have Mahomes available, with the quarterback practicing fully on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while carrying no game designation. Guard Trey Smith similarly practiced fully during the week with a hip injury and also has no game designation.
Travis Kelce is another option for the Chiefs. Kelce had limited participation during the week due to an ankle injury but carries no game designation, while Cyrus Allen practiced fully with a knee injury and also has no game designation.
On defense, L’Jarius Sneed is questionable after three limited practices with a knee injury, while Chamarri Conner practiced fully throughout the week with a knee issue and linebacker Cooper McDonald remained limited, with neither receiving a game designation.
For the Chiefs, the central concern remains protection as they rely on replacement personnel along the offensive line, with Moore and Rice also unavailable alongside Simmons as they prepare for the Week 7 game versus Seattle.
← More stories