The Kansas City Chiefs are once again navigating uncertainty on their offensive line, this time involving rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, who has been away from the team due to what the organization described as a “personal matter.”

During the latest episode of KC Sports Report, host Michael Darcy and Caleb James, film analyst for Arrowhead Pride, discussed the unusual circumstances surrounding Simmons’ absence — and what it means for the Chiefs as they prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.

A Sudden and Mysterious Absence

The story began prior to the Chiefs’ Week 3 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when Simmons was listed as questionable due to illness. He eventually played and performed well, but by the following week, the situation had taken an unexpected turn.

“Before the Lions game, he wasn’t even at walkthroughs,” Darcy explained. “Patrick Mahomes and the coaching staff were caught off guard. Nobody seemed to know where Josh was.”

Head coach Andy Reid has remained tight-lipped, referring all questions about Simmons to general manager Brett Veach, while Mahomes and other teammates have refrained from speculating. According to SiriusXM NFL Radio, Simmons is currently away from the team due to a family emergency.

Linebacker Leo Chenal told reporters after the game that the team was “playing for Josh,” adding that Simmons was in their thoughts and prayers — a clear sign that the situation may be serious.

Jaylen Moore Steps Up

In Simmons’ absence, Jaylen Moore was asked to step in as the starting left tackle — just hours after becoming a new father early that same morning. Despite the emotional whirlwind, Moore delivered an impressive performance against Detroit’s elite pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.

“Hats off to Jaylen Moore,” Darcy said. “He found out he was starting and went toe-to-toe with one of the best defensive ends in football.”

Caleb James, who analyzed Moore’s game film for Arrowhead Pride, praised the lineman’s composure and readiness:

“This is exactly why the Chiefs brought Jaylen Moore in — to make an emergency start if needed,” James explained. “They didn’t have to change the playbook or adjust the offense. He’s a very capable player who understands the system.”

According to James, Moore’s performance highlighted the depth and stability of Kansas City’s offensive line — something that general manager Brett Veach has invested heavily in over recent seasons.

Technical Breakdown: Moore vs. Simmons

When asked to compare Simmons and Moore, James broke down the key differences:

“Josh Simmons is a unicorn athlete,” he said. “He’s incredibly powerful from the ground up — great lower-body strength, strong hands, and elite footwork for a rookie. There just aren’t many tackles like him.”

Moore, by contrast, is more of a technician. “He’s not as long or athletic,” James added, “but he’s fundamentally sound. He doesn’t overset or panic in pass protection. He’s patient, smart, and very aware of what’s happening around him.”

That intelligence and calm demeanor allowed Moore to step in seamlessly. While he surrendered a sack late in the game, James noted that his run-blocking was especially strong — a reflection of his time in San Francisco’s run-heavy system, where he once filled in for Trent Williams.

Mahomes’ Pocket Trust and Offensive Adaptations

One of the most discussed topics around Simmons’ absence is how it might affect Patrick Mahomes’ pocket trust — a critical factor in the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm.

Before Simmons went inactive, Mahomes had been showing growing confidence in his protection. But James believes Mahomes won’t lose that trust with Moore stepping in.

“I think Mahomes will still trust the pocket,” he said. “The Chiefs are smart about giving him help — keeping tight ends in to block, using play-action, and running under-center sets to slow down the pass rush.”

James emphasized that Mahomes is rarely rattled by edge pressure: “If the tackles get beat, he can usually extend plays. The real danger is when pressure comes from up the middle — and that’s why Kansas City has invested so heavily in its interior line.”

With Creed Humphrey, Joe Thuney, and Trey Smith anchoring the inside, the Chiefs’ protection remains among the NFL’s best.

Preparing for Maxx Crosby and the Raiders

The real test for Moore will come this Sunday against Maxx Crosby, one of the league’s most relentless pass rushers. James predicted that Crosby will likely notch a sack — as he does against nearly every opponent — but believes the Chiefs will still control the game.

“The Raiders are struggling,” James said confidently. “I think the Chiefs win 34–17. Mahomes will have enough time, and the defense is going to dominate.”

Moore may not be the freak athlete that Simmons is, but his discipline, football IQ, and composure give the Chiefs confidence that their offensive rhythm won’t falter.

Bigger Picture: A Team Built for Resilience

The Chiefs’ handling of the Simmons situation shows a blend of discretion and focus. While the organization has offered no public details about the personal matter, their support for Simmons — combined with their readiness to adapt — underscores the depth of Kansas City’s roster culture.

Caleb James summarized it best:

“You never want to see something like this happen, but the Chiefs are built for it. They’ve built a roster that can withstand injuries, absences, and adversity. That’s what championship teams do.”

As Kansas City prepares to face the Raiders, all eyes will be on Jaylen Moore — and on how the Chiefs’ offensive line holds together without one of its most promising young talents.

For now, Josh Simmons remains in the thoughts of teammates, coaches, and fans alike, with hopes that whatever has taken him away from the field resolves soon.