Injuries can make or break a team's season, and this week's Chiefs-Raiders matchup is no exception. But here's where it gets interesting: two key players are already sidelined, and the reasons behind their absences are raising eyebrows. As the Kansas City Chiefs (3-3) prepare to host the Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday at noon, the first official injury report of the week has dropped, and it’s packed with surprises.
Chiefs Injury Report:
| Player | Pos | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Status |
|--------------|------|-------------|------|------|------|---------|
| Brashard Smith | RB | Illness | DNP | - | - | - |
| Josh Simmons | T | Personal | DNP | - | - | - |
| Hollywood Brown | WR | Achilles | FP | - | - | - |
| Nikko Remigio | WR | Thumb | FP | - | - | - |
| Xavier Worthy | WR | Shoulder/Ankle | FP | - | - | - |
| Jawaan Taylor | T | Knee | FP | - | - | - |
| Charles Omenihu | DE | Ankle | FP | - | - | - |
Raiders Injury Report:
| Player | Pos | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Status |
|--------------|------|-------------|------|------|------|---------|
| Dylan Laube | RB | Hamstring | DNP | - | - | - |
| Brock Bowers | TE | Knee | DNP | - | - | - |
| Jakobi Meyers | WR | Knee/Toe | DNP | - | - | - |
And this is the part most people miss: The absence of Chiefs’ starting left tackle Josh Simmons is particularly puzzling. After missing Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions for undisclosed personal reasons, Simmons is still nowhere to be found. While the official designation remains 'personal,' it’s clear this is the same issue that benched him in Week 6. But here’s the controversial part: Head Coach Andy Reid is staying tight-lipped, refusing to comment further. Is this a private matter, or is there more to the story? Reid’s reluctance to even confirm Simmons’ availability for practice has fans speculating. Could this be a distraction for the team, or is the organization protecting a player’s privacy? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Meanwhile, running back Brashard Smith is also out due to illness, leaving the Chiefs’ backfield a bit thinner than usual. On the bright side, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who’s been on the injury report since Week 3, is notably absent this time—a positive sign for Chiefs fans.
For the Raiders, three players missed Wednesday’s practice. Star tight end Brock Bowers is still battling a knee injury that’s kept him out of two games already. Jakobi Meyers, dealing with knee and toe issues, adds another layer of concern—especially with trade rumors swirling around him. And running back Dylan Laube, primarily a special teams contributor, is nursing a hamstring injury sustained in Week 6 against the Titans.
Here’s the bigger question: How will these absences impact Sunday’s game? With both teams looking to turn their seasons around, every player counts. Will the Chiefs’ offensive line hold up without Simmons? Can the Raiders’ offense thrive without Bowers and Meyers? Share your predictions below—this matchup just got a whole lot more intriguing.
