Kansas City Chiefs tackle Josh Simmons (back) returned as a limited practice participant this week, a positive step after he missed the first four games of the regular season. His availability for Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers remains uncertain, but his eventual return could force an immediate decision on the right side of the offensive line.
Locked On Chiefs co-host Chris Clark said he would not expect Kansas City to install Simmons as a starter immediately after his first week back at practice. Clark instead viewed a limited workload, if Simmons is active at all, as the more logical route while the Chiefs assess their longer-term alignment.
That alignment question centers on rookie tackle Kahlil Benson and veteran tackle Jaylon Moore. Simmons sits atop the club’s unofficial depth chart at left tackle, while Moore is listed as the starting right tackle and Benson as Simmons’ backup. Benson has filled in on the left side, but Locked On Chiefs host Ryan Tracy argued that a healthy Simmons should send Benson to right tackle rather than leave him on the bench.
Tracy’s case rests on Benson’s projection. He said Benson’s power-oriented skill set fits the right side better and that Kansas City should use meaningful snaps to determine whether he can become its long-term answer there. Clark agreed that Benson’s future position remains an open question, though he noted the Chiefs could value Moore’s continuity when Patrick Mahomes moves outside the pocket.
The Chargers game may not settle that debate. Simmons was limited on both Wednesday and Thursday, and the official injury report still listed him with a back issue. Clark and Tracy both cautioned against rushing him into a starting job after a lengthy absence, particularly when the Chiefs could face more demanding pass-rush matchups in the weeks ahead.
For now, Kansas City can treat Simmons’ practice return as progress rather than a finished solution. The most consequential decision will arrive when the coaching staff believes he can resume the left-tackle role: whether to keep Moore at right tackle or use the opening to test Benson in the position the hosts believe better matches his future.
Chiefs News and Notes
– Wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring and knee) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Tracy projected that wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals and Cyrus Allen could carry a larger share of the work if Rice cannot play against Los Angeles.
– Tracy advocated for a practice-squad elevation of wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, citing his size and blocking as a potential fit at X receiver. Clark agreed that a run-heavy plan could help a young, depleted receiver group while giving Royals and Allen useful offensive snaps.
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