Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will go into Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Buffalo Bills without a vital piece of his offense. In fact, this position is often times regarded as the second most important position in football.
Starting left tackle Josh Simmons is officially out for the game. The Kansas City Chiefs, already navigating a tough stretch of their schedule, now must protect Mahomes again without the rookie who had been anchoring the blind side.
What the Report Shows
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
According to the Chiefs’ official injury report ahead of Week 9, Josh Simmons has missed multiple practices and is listed under “personal” with no return date. With Simmons out, the Chiefs will rely on backup options at left tackle, which raises questions around pass-protection and run-blocking stability.
Impact on Mahomes and the Offense
Mahomes depends on continuity along the offensive line to execute his quick reads, roll-outs and extensions outside the pocket. Removing a starter on the left edge means:
More pressure from the Bills’ edge defenders could reach Mahomes faster.
The timing of designed roll-outs and play-action snaps may be disrupted.
The run game, which often sets up Mahomes’ rhythm, may lose some foundational push.
The Chiefs continue to lean on Mahomes’ mobility and play-making ability, but losing Simmons adds another variable to manage.
Coaching Staff’s Response
Head coach Andy Reid and the offensive-line staff have indicated confidence in the backups stepping in, though they offered limited comment on Simmons’ absence. “We’ll get ready,” Reid said when asked about preparations to adjust. The team’s offensive line coach emphasized reps and communication this week in place of the usual lineup.
What to Watch on Sunday
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Who starts at left tackle? Keep an eye on whether the Chiefs formally announce a replacement starter and how well he performs early in the game.
Early pressure on Mahomes. If the Bills detect the change, they may blitz more often off the left edge to force Mahomes into quicker decisions.
Run-game effectiveness. If the edge blocks are less firm, the Chiefs may struggle to create lanes inside, forcing more reliance on outside runs or passing downs.
Mahomes’ adjustments. Watch how Mahomes modifies his drops, roll-outs and protection reads knowing his blind side has changed.
Looking Ahead
This disruption comes at a critical juncture in the Chiefs’ season. Kansas City has aspirations of deep playoff contention, and preserving Mahomes’ health and performance is central to that goal. While Simmons’ timeline for return remains unclear, the immediate task is stabilizing the offense in his absence and maintaining the execution that has defined Mahomes’ era.
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