Chiefs' rookie Josh Simmons misses Lions game for family reasons

When Josh Simmons, offensive lineman for Kansas City Chiefs was placed on the inactive list Sunday, the unexpected absence sent a ripple through the team’s practice facility and the fan‑at‑home crowd alike.

The Chiefs announced the move just after the league‑mandated 90‑minute deadline for the Week 6 primetime showdown against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. While the official wording cited “personal reasons,” Arrowhead Pride and Fox Sports both reported that a family situation kept the 22‑year‑old rookie home.

Background on Josh Simmons and the Chiefs' Season

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, Simmons entered Kansas City with a reputation for gritty run‑blocking and a surprisingly quick adaptation to the Pro Bowl‑level playbook. In his debut against the Baltimore Ravens, he logged 48 snaps and helped the line hold the opposition to just 112 rushing yards. By Week 5, the Chiefs were 4‑1, perched atop the AFC West and looking like a serious Super Bowl contender.

Head coach Andy Reid has often praised the depth of his offensive line, saying in a pre‑season interview that “the man‑up‑man mentality is what separates a contender from a pretender.” Yet the line’s youngest member missing a primetime clash is a test of that depth.

Week 6 Inactive List and Family Situation

At 1:00 p.m. ET, the Chiefs filed their official inactive roster, listing Simmons as “questionable” before flipping him to inactive just hours later. The NFL’s injury report code for a 50 % chance of playing typically signals a lingering bruise or mild strain, but the language used this time—“personal reasons”—is reserved for matters the league deems private.

Team spokesperson Mike Riley told reporters, “We respect Josh’s family privacy and are focused on supporting him. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and we’ll evaluate his health and situation in the coming days.” No direct quote from Simmons was available, and the Chiefs declined to elaborate further, adhering to the NFL’s privacy standards.

Impact on the Chiefs' Offensive Line

The loss of Simmons forced the coaching staff to reshuffle the line’s interior. Veteran guard Lucas Patrick was slated to shift to a swing‑tackle role, while backup Eli Ermann received a surprise promotion to start at guard. Analysts at Pro Football Focus noted that Kansas City’s depth chart listed only one true center, raising concerns about snap‑count consistency.

Even though the Chiefs still fielded 46 active players, the offensive line’s rotation depth dropped from five viable linemen to four, a reduction that could affect pass‑protection against Detroit’s aggressive pass rush led by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

• Chiefs entered the game with a 4‑1 record.
• Detroit Lions held a 3‑2 record.
• Josh Simmons had appeared in 3 games, starting 2.
• Ford Field seats roughly 65,000 fans.
• The NFL requires inactive lists 90 minutes before kickoff.

Reactions from Coaches and Analysts

Dan Campbell, head coach of the Lions, offered a brief nod during the post‑game press conference: “We respect the Chiefs’ situation and wish Josh the best. It’s a big game for both clubs, and we’ll stay focused on executing our game plan.”

Sports columnist Tracy Wolfson of ESPN wrote, “While the Chiefs have the luxury of a deep roster, losing a rookie who’s already contributed can tilt the balance in a close battle, especially on a night when every sack matters.”

On the fan side, Arrowhead Pride’s social‑media threads lit up with supportive messages. A user named @ArrowheadAlly posted, “Family first, Josh. We’ve got your back, brother.” The tone reflected a community accustomed to rallying behind its players during personal hardships.

Looking Ahead: Week 7 and Beyond

The next test for Kansas City comes on October 19 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa against the Buccaneers. No official word has been released on Simmons’ availability, but the team’s medical staff is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.

If Simmons returns, the Chiefs will likely slide him back into his guard spot, restoring the original depth chart. If not, the staff may need to look toward a late‑season free‑agent signing or a practice‑squad elevation—options that could affect salary‑cap calculations heading into the trade deadline.

Either way, the episode underscores how off‑field matters can reverberate on the field, reminding fans that players are people first, athletes second.