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Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2025.

The Kansas City Chiefs look to stay in the win column when they face the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. Heading into Week 7 with a 3-3 record, a victory over their AFC West rival would be a huge boost.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is playing at an MVP level. During Kansas City’s 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions, Mahomes completed 22-of-30 passes for 257 yards and four total touchdowns, three passing and one rushing.

Mahomes looks to improve his passing game against the Raiders with the return of Rashee Rice, his No. 1 wide receiver. Rice is thrilled to be back following a six-week suspension stemming from a multi-vehicle car crash in 2024.

While one major piece of the Chiefs’ offense returns, another crucial part remains missing, starting left tackle Josh Simmons.

A few hours before kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium last week, Simmons abruptly left the team and flew home to California to deal with a family situation, The AP reported. In his place, left tackle Jaylon Moore made his first start of the season.

While details surrounding Simmons’ situation remain murky, the Chiefs revealed his status for Week 7.

Chiefs LT Josh Simmons Will Not Play Against the Raiders Amid ‘Grim’ Situation

The Chiefs announced that Simmons will not suit up and play when the Chiefs travel to Allegiant Stadium to face the Raiders on October 19.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid previously noted that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was handling the situation regarding Simmons, which drew more questions than answers. ESPN’s Nate Taylor told 96.5 The Fan, “I do believe it’s a family matter. I’m fearful, which is probably the best way I can explain what I’ve heard.”

“I’m fearful because we don’t have all the answers right now, that makes the outcome perhaps grim,” Taylor continued. “I just want people to understand that this is really difficult for Josh. I can’t imagine what he’s going through based on what I’ve heard, but hopefully, we’ll know more in the coming days.”

Overall, the situation is “extremely serious,” Taylor noted. “If he has the chance to get back to normalcy and get back to football, he will do that.”

Speaking to reporters on Friday, October 17, Reid confirmed Simmons didn’t attend practice for a third consecutive day. “Still, excused with the family situation,” Reid said. When pressed on the topic, “Personal, yeah, personal,” Reid added. As of now, there is no timeline for his return.

With Simmons out, Moore will once again step up to protect Mahomes’ blind side. Before selecting Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, Kansas City signed Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract. During a press conference on Thursday, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke highly of Moore.

“So No. 1, the good thing about him coming here is that he does have experience,” Nagy said. “No. 2, he’s mentally strong, so he’s always prepared, knowing that he’s that guy at any moment that can go in there. And then the third part, too, is [offensive line] Coach [Andy] Heck does a great job of being able to rotate guys in practice.

“And so you throw all those three together, and then all of a sudden you get kind of a short notice, quick deal that, ‘Hey, you’re going to start and play against one of the best defensive ends in the game.’ What a credit to him.”

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Sent Prayers to LT Josh Simmons

GettyChiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes warms up before the game against the Lions at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2025.

During a press conference on Wednesday, October 15, Mahomes addressed Simmons’ absence. While the 30-year-old quarterback kept their conversations “private,” per AtoZSports Charles Goldman, “he’s praying for him.”

Mahomes previously admitted that Simmons’ sudden departure took him by surprise on Sunday. “Yeah, I mean, I didn’t fully know,” he said. “Obviously, we had a walkthrough around noon, 1 o’clock, whatever it was. He wasn’t there, so I knew something was up. Talking with the coaches after, obviously a personal matter.”

Emily Bicks covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Bills, Seahawks and Chiefs. She’s contributed to Heavy since 2019 and has interviewed some of the biggest stars in sports, including Jerry Rice, Shaquille O’Neal and Stefon Diggs. More about Emily Bicks