KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs returned to the practice field Wednesday in starting preparation to host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, but rookie left tackle Josh Simmons remained absent.
Simmons and running back Brashard Smith (illness) were the only two players who did not practice Wednesday. All others were full participants, including wide receiver Rashee Rice, who returns this week following his six-game suspension.
Head coach Andy Reid remained tight-lipped on Simmons, who was a late scratch from Sunday’s game due to what the club terms a personal matter.
“As far as the Josh Simmons situation goes, I’m not going to comment on it today,” Reid said. “(General Manager Brett) Veach is handling everything there, and we’ll leave it at that.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also declined to elaborate when asked if he’s communicated with Simmons.
“I’ll keep conversations kind of between us, but I’m always praying for all my teammates,” Mahomes said. “I’m always praying for them, and I’ll keep everything else private to us.”
When asked if Simmons would practice Wednesday, Reid replied, “I’m just going to let it go here. Yeah, let it go here.”
The club has not indicated when Simmons might return to the team. It’s doubtful Simmons will be available when the Chiefs face the Raiders this weekend, according to a source.
That would mean a second start for veteran Jaylon Moore, who stepped in ably in place of Simmons at left tackle in Kansas City’s 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions Sunday night.
“He’s always ready, and he practices a third of the practice because (offensive line coach) Andy (Heck) rotates him in there,” Reid said of Moore on Wednesday. “I thought he did a nice job the other night, played well. We have a lot of trust in him. Most of all, the guys have trust in him, that’s the most important thing.”
Wide receiver Nikko Remigio (thumb) was the only new addition to the team’s injury report coming out of the Lions game. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown remains on the list as a full participant with his injury designation changed from an ankle to an Achilles issue.
The Chiefs dropped seven players from last week’s injury report after they were full participants last week: quarterback Patrick Mahomes (groin), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), running back Kareem Hunt (calf), defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (shoulder), linebackers Nick Bolton (calf) and Jeffrey Bassa (knee), and cornerback Kristian Fulton (ankle)
Raiders’ Bowers Sidelined
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers did not practice Wednesday due to a knee injury, and appears on pace to miss his third straight game due to the injury. Las Vegas has a bye in Week 8, which would allow Bowers more than a month of rest since his last appearance on Sept. 28 against Chicago before returning Nov. 2 against Jacksonville.
Receiver Jakobi Meyers also did not practice Wednesday due to knee and toe issues. Meyers played 90% of the team’s snaps in Sunday’s 20-10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Meyers has also been the subject of trade rumors heading toward the Nov. 4 deal deadline.
Chiefs injury report
Did not practice: LT Josh Simmons (not injury related-personal) and RB Brashard Smith (illness)
Limited participation: None
Full participation: WR Rashee Rice (not injury related-other). WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder/ankle), WR Hollywood Brown (Achilles), WR Nikko Remigio (thumb), RT Jawaan Taylor (knee) and DE Charles Omenihu (ankle).
Raiders injury report
Did not practice: TE Brock Bowers (knee), WR Jakobi Meyers (knee/toe) and RB Dylan Laube (hamstring)
Limited participation: None
Full participation: None
