The Kansas City Chiefs are in for a tough Sunday night as they face the Detroit Lions without their star left tackle, Josh Simmons. But here's where it gets even more challenging: Simmons' absence isn't due to an injury—it's a personal family matter back in California that has sidelined him. This unexpected development leaves the Chiefs scrambling to fill a critical position just hours before kickoff.
As first reported by NFL Network, Simmons, who was initially listed as 'questionable,' was officially ruled 'out' just an hour before the 6:20 PM local time kickoff. The rookie from Ohio State had been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offseason strategy, aimed at bolstering their offensive line after quarterback Patrick Mahomes faced a career-high 36 sacks last season. While Mahomes' sack percentage has improved from 5.83 in 2024 to 3.68 this season, Simmons' absence could expose vulnerabilities against a surging Lions defense.
Simmons' role was so pivotal that his arrival allowed Kingsley Suamataia to shift to left guard, replacing All-Pro Joe Thuney, who was traded to Chicago in March. Now, the Chiefs turn to 27-year-old veteran Jaylon Moore, who has started just 12 games over four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, to anchor the left tackle position. And this is the part most people miss: Moore's experience is limited, and the Lions' defensive line, riding a four-game winning streak, will undoubtedly test his mettle.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are still reeling from their Week 5 collapse against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a rare moment of candor, All-Pro Chris Jones admitted to reporters that he 'quit' on the final play of that game, mistakenly believing Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was down. Lawrence, however, regained his footing and scored the game-winning touchdown, leaving Jones as a spectator in a crucial moment. 'It's a teaching point for me,' Jones reflected. 'I can't think the play is over. It's a learning lesson.'
Jones, who recently deactivated his social media accounts, clarified that the decision was unrelated to his performance. 'I never run from constructive criticism,' he said. 'I posted a Drake quote, 'I'll see you in the summer of 2026,' before Monday's game. People thought I deleted my accounts because of my performance, but it was done days earlier.'
Here’s where it gets controversial: Despite his admission, Jones remains a polarizing figure. Some fans applaud his honesty, while others question his focus in high-pressure situations. As the Chiefs prepare to face Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, Jones insists he's been 'focused on the Lions since Monday's game.' But with Simmons out and the Lions on a hot streak, can the Chiefs overcome their mounting challenges?
This season has been particularly difficult for Jones, who recently lost his beloved aunt to a fatal heart attack while she was watching him play against the New York Giants. Amid personal and professional struggles, the Chiefs must find a way to regroup—or risk another devastating loss. What do you think? Can the Chiefs bounce back, or is this the beginning of a downward spiral? Let us know in the comments!
