The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions while contending with uncertainty at left tackle, which could leave Patrick Mahomes exposed.
Rookie Josh Simmons, a highly anticipated offseason addition, is listed as ‘doubtful’ due to a family matter in California.
Simmons’ potential absence could require the Chiefs to make significant adjustments to their offensive line ahead of the 18:20 ET kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium.
Simmons, the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was expected to be a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive front.
Last season, the team allowed a career-high 36 sacks on quarterback Mahomes, highlighting the need for improvement in pass protection.
Simmons’ arrival was designed to address this vulnerability and provide stability on the left side of the line. His presence also enabled Kingsley Suamataia to move inside to left guard, a position that the coaching staff views as a better fit for his skill set.
Who will replace Josh Simmons?
The rookie’s absence elevates the role of Jaylon Moore, who is expected to start in Simmons’ place.
Moore, 27, has accumulated experience over four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, starting 12 games during that span. His versatility and previous starting experience are expected to provide a degree of continuity for the Chiefs’ offensive line as it adapts to this unexpected change.
Moore’s ability to step in at left tackle will be critical in maintaining protection for Mahomes against one of the league’s more formidable defensive fronts.
The Chiefs’ offensive line will face an immediate test against Detroit’s defensive unit, which has shown effectiveness in pressuring opposing quarterbacks and defending the run. Protecting Mahomes is a primary concern, as the quarterback’s ability to execute plays under pressure is crucial for sustaining the team’s offensive rhythm.
Any lapses in protection could limit the effectiveness of both the passing and running game, placing additional stress on secondary and skill-position players.
Implications for the offensive line
Coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ offensive staff will need to recalibrate blocking schemes and rotations to account for Simmons’ potential absence.
This may involve adjusting protections, modifying blocking assignments, and leveraging the depth of the roster to maintain efficiency. The team’s preparation in practice and ability to quickly implement these changes during the game will play a decisive role in their performance.
The Chiefs’ front office and coaching staff emphasized patience with Simmons as a rookie, noting the adjustment period required when transitioning from college to the professional level.
Despite the setback, the team retains confidence in the overall strength of its offensive line and its capacity to execute under challenging circumstances.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively the Chiefs adapt to this lineup change. The outcome of Sunday’s game carries implications not only for the team’s record but also for evaluating the depth and resilience of the roster.
Jaylon Moore’s performance, combined with the contributions of other offensive linemen, will be pivotal in determining whether the Chiefs can maintain the high standards expected of a reigning AFC champion.
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