Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders after head coach Andy Reid provided little explanation for his absence
17:55 ET, 17 Oct 2025Updated 17:56 ET, 17 Oct 2025
Josh Simmons has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders
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Josh Simmons has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders(Image: Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons has been ruled out for Sunday’s contest versus the Las Vegas Raiders as head coach Andy Reid remained tight-lipped about his multi-game absence.
Several hours before kickoff in Kansas City’s 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions last week, Simmons was surprisingly listed as “questionable” before being downgraded to out with a “personal designation.”
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The rookie lineman — who drew immense praise from former Eagles center Jason Kelce — was subsequently absent from Chiefs practice all three days this week.
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While Reid has provided few details on why Simmons remains sidelined, the 67-year-old revealed that the No. 32 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft traveled home to California ahead of the Chiefs’ game against the Lions.
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Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Reid shared that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was “handling everything there. And we'll leave it at that.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes similarly refrained from divulging much information on Simmons, stating: “I'll keep conversations kind of between us. But I'm always praying for him.
“I'm praying for all my teammates. So, I'm always praying for them, and I'll keep everything else kind of private to us.”
Taking to social media, droves of fans expressed their concern for Simmons. “Praying for Josh Simmons and his family,” one X user wrote, with another adding: “Man. Hope the big fella is alright.”
A third chimed in, “Hope whatever he’s dealing with gets sorted out.”
With Simmons slated to miss his second straight contest, Kansas City will once again turn to veteran offensive tackle Jaylon Moore.
Despite not having Simmons for this week’s AFC West clash, the Chiefs will be getting back another big piece of their offense in Rashee Rice. The star wide receiver was forced to miss the first six games of the 2025 campaign while serving an NFL suspension for violating its personal-conduct policy.
Josh Simmons missed last week's game versus the Lions while sporting a personal designation
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Josh Simmons missed last week's game versus the Lions while sporting a personal designation(Image: Getty Images)
Last March, Rice was arrested for playing a role in a multiple-vehicle car crash in northeast Dallas. Police allege that the 24-year-old was racing a Lamborghini at dangerously high speeds, at one point reaching 119 mph.
Rice was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury. In July, he was sentenced to five years' probation and 30 days in jail for his involvement in the wreck.
Prior to his suspension, Rice missed the large majority of last season upon suffering a torn ACL during the Chiefs’ 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.
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“I’ve been looking forward to this, I think it’s been 380-something days since I have played in a regular-season game,” Rice said on Friday. “I mean, it’s been a long time coming. The time is finally here.”
Upon being asked what he’s learned over the past year, Rice replied: “I learned that I love the game of football. I was able to realize how strong I am mentally, being able to face a lot of adversity.”
When able to take the field, Rice has established himself as one of Mahomes’ favorite targets. In 20 career games, the 25-year-old has reeled in 103 receptions on 131 targets for 1,226 yards and nine touchdowns.