As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their primetime showdown against the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium, both teams have confirmed their inactives—revealing significant lineup changes that could shape the outcome of this highly anticipated Week 6 encounter.
Chiefs suffer key blow before kickoff
The Chiefs’ biggest setback came just hours before kickoff when left tackle Josh Simmons was officially ruled out. Initially listed as questionable due to a personal matter, Simmons has traveled to California to attend to a family issue, leaving a crucial gap in Kansas City’s offensive line.
This late development means Patrick Mahomes will once again have to adapt to protection changes on his blind side—a recurring theme throughout his career. In Simmons’ absence, veteran Jaylon Moore is expected to step up and make his first start for the Chiefs, while Wanya Morris remains a possible rotational option.
Interestingly, Mahomes has never had consistent stability at left tackle in his Super Bowl runs, having played with a different starter in each of his five championship appearances. This season alone, Moore will become the second player to start at that position for Kansas City.
Lions’ secondary faces major challenges
While the Chiefs are dealing with offensive reshuffling, the Lions enter the game with severe issues in their secondary. Detroit’s cornerback room has been hit particularly hard, with Terrion Arnold (shoulder), Khalil Dorsey (concussion), D.J. Reed (hamstring), and Avonte Maddox (hamstring) all ruled out.
However, there’s a silver lining for Detroit fans—starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are active after pregame workouts. Both were questionable heading into the clash, with Joseph recovering from a knee injury and Branch from an ankle issue. Their presence will be vital as they attempt to contain Mahomes and his dynamic passing attack.
Full list of inactives
Kansas City Chiefs
CB Kristian Fulton
TE Jared Wiley
RB Elijah Mitchell
T Josh Simmons
DE Malik Herring
Detroit Lions
CB Terrion Arnold
CB Avonte Maddox
T Taylor Decker
RB Sione Vaki
LB Zach Cunningham
DL Mekhi Wingo
S Loren Strickland
What’s at stake
For Kansas City (2-3), this Sunday Night Football matchup is a pivotal one. The defending champions need a statement win to climb back to .500 and reassert their dominance in the AFC. The Lions (4-1), on the other hand, are eager to solidify their standing as one of the NFL’s most complete teams despite a wave of injuries.