Chiefs’ Josh Simmons Ruled Out vs. Lions Due to Personal Matter

The Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed that rookie left tackle Josh Simmons will miss Sunday night’s game against the Detroit Lions while attending to a family matter in California. The move was made official just hours before kickoff, a hit to a Chiefs offensive line already under pressure heading into a primetime matchup at Ford Field.

According to previous reports, Simmons was added to the team’s injury report Sunday afternoon and listed as questionable for non-football, personal reasons. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the rookie traveled home and was unlikely to return in time for the game. The team later confirmed his absence.

With Simmons unavailable, Jaylon Moore is expected to get the start at left tackle. Moore, a free agent addition after the 2024 season, will have his hands full facing Detroit’s loaded defensive front. Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions’ edge rotation have made a hobby of wrecking backfields, and a shuffle at left tackle could tilt the early momentum.

For the Lions, this is exactly the kind of late-game news you love to hear on a Sunday: your defense, already one of the most aggressive in football, gets to line up against a backup protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. Dan Campbell probably didn’t need any more fuel for his motor, but this qualifies as premium gasoline.

Simmons, a high-potential rookie, has drawn praise from Kansas City coaches for his athleticism and poise. The Chiefs expect him back once his personal situation is resolved.

The bottom line: no Simmons means a long night of edge pressure for Kansas City, and another chance for Detroit to prove the D-line is as hyped as it looks on paper.