The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Washington Commanders on “Monday Night Football” without two of their starting offensive linemen.
Neither left tackle Josh Simmons nor right guard Trey Smith practiced this week. Jaylon Moore will make his third consecutive start in place of Simmons, while Mike Caliendo is expected to fill in for Smith — who is officially listed as “doubtful” for the game.
Earlier in the week, head coach Andy Reid offered a positive update on Simmons, who has been away from the team since mid-October because of a personal situation.
Smith exited last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders after just 17 snaps due to a back issue. Caliendo handled the rest of the game, allowing no quarterback pressures on 32 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
“We’ve always looked at Mike as a starter,” Reid said. “I think all the guys do and coaches do. Everybody’s got the confidence of when he comes in, you just pick up and go. … That’s how I feel about him. I think I’m just speaking for the gang here.”
Kansas City center Creed Humphrey said he’s been impressed with how both Moore and Caliendo have stepped in and performed.
“These guys, they work really hard in this building,” Humphrey said. “(I’m) proud of the guys in the room. They do a great job, (and) everybody stays prepared. They both have done great jobs.”
Kansas City could call up one of its three practice-squad offensive linemen — Chu Godrick, CJ Hanson or the recently returned Esa Pole — for Monday’s game.
Running back Kareem Hunt (ankle/knee) did not practice Thursday before being limited on Friday. Cornerback Jaylen Watson (back) was limited Thursday but practiced in full Friday.
Both Hunt and Watson are expected to play.