KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs faced a significant roster challenge during their Sunday night matchup against the Detroit Lions, as left tackle Josh Simmons was absent due to a family emergency that required him to return to California. In his absence, Jaylon Moore stepped in to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Simmons had already distinguished himself since being drafted 32nd overall in April, surpassing the Chiefs’ expectations after recovering from a torn patellar tendon that limited his playtime in his final season at Ohio State. His strong performance throughout training camp earned him a spot in the starting lineup, and he contributed significantly to the team’s success by starting every game this season.
Moore, who previously signed a two-year contract worth $30 million in March, stepped up as a competent backup for the Chiefs, having impressed during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. The organization viewed him as a reliable starter, which became crucial as they navigated injuries.
On the other side, the Lions welcomed back key players including cornerback Kerby Joseph and safety Brian Branch, both of whom were deemed fit after being listed as questionable. Joseph had been dealing with a knee issue while Branch recovered from an ankle injury. They also saw the return of wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who had practiced limitedly due to a neck injury.
Unfortunately for the Lions, they were still without left tackle Taylor Decker, who missed the game following a shoulder injury that kept him from practicing all week. With Giovanni Manu placed on injured reserve due to a knee issue, the Lions had to rely on Dan Skipper, a seasoned veteran, to fill the role for just his 12th start in an eight-year NFL career.
This game showcased the importance of depth in the NFL and the resilience of teams facing injuries, highlighting how players step up to fill critical roles amidst adversity.