Chiefs shake up O-line as Josh Simmons works with the starters; Mitchell active
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs reinstate rookie left tackle Josh Simmons to starting lineup vs Broncos
- Simmons missed four games for a personal issue, returned to practice Wednesday
- Chiefs activate RB Elijah Mitchell, make other roster moves ahead of kickoff
After missing the previous four games, Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is headed back to the starting lineup.
The rookie warmed up with the starters when the team took the field at Empower Field at Mile High before Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick this year out of Ohio State, has missed time with what has been listed on the team’s injury report as a personal issue.
He started the Chiefs’ first five games and played well before missing games against the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills.
Simmons was not with the team while he was out — until last week. He returned to practice on Wednesday. Since then, there was some question about whether Simmons would return immediately to the lineup. Jaylon Moore had gotten the starts at left tackle in Simmons’ absence.
And there was more shakeup in the Chiefs’ lineup before Sunday’s game.
With Isiah Pacheco on the inactive list the Chiefs activated running back Elijah Mitchell for the first time this season. Mitchell, who signed as a free agent after spending his first three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, didn’t get the call in the Chiefs’ most recent game, at Buffalo in Week 9 before their Week 10 bye.
Instead, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was called up from the practice squad as the third running back against the Bills.
This time it’s Mitchell, who rushed for 963 yards as a rookie in 2022. He will back up Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith against Denver.
Also active is cornerback Kristian Fulton. It is the first time he’s been active since Week 2.
The inactives: Pacheco, cornerback Joshua Williams, wide receiver Jaley Royals, tight end Jared Wiley and offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad.