The Kansas City Chiefs are patiently waiting for rookie left tackle Josh Simmons to return to the team, as he’s missed the last three games to take care of his family. One of the last things we heard about Simmons’ potential return was from ESPN’s Nate Taylor, who reported last week that the rookie is reportedly expected to rejoin the team in a few weeks.
A few weeks is a sizable window, so until then, the Chiefs have been rolling with veteran Jaylon Moore, whom they signed this offseason to a two-year, $30 million deal in free agency. Moore’s performance over the last few games has been OK, as there’s still room for improvement.
However, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has a different viewpoint on Moore and even leaves the door open for the veteran to be starting when Simmons returns. According to Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com, Nagy told reporters on Thursday that he hasn’t considered who will start at left tackle, but praised Moore for “his consistency” and “his ability to rise to the challenge.”
At the same time, Derrick adds that Nagy will leave the decision on who to start at left tackle up to head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach.
Chiefs May Be Tempted to Play Jaylon Moore Despite Josh Simmons’ Eventual Return
In the three games Moore has started in, the veteran offensive line has shown some good and bad things on tape. In his first start against the Detroit Lions, Moore allowed three pressures, two hurries, and a sack in 64 snaps.
Here are Moore’s PFF grades from Week 6:
- Overall grade – 67.7
- Run blocking grade – 80.8 (24 snaps)
- Pass blocking grade – 45.3 (40 snaps)
Over the next two games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, the veteran tackle’s run blocking grades dipped down to 55.4 and 62.5, respectively.
Meanwhile, his pass-blocking grades have shown slight improvements during that span, posting a 69.9 grade vs. Las Vegas and a 65.7 grade vs. Washington. In last week’s win against the Commanders, he gave up three pressures, a hit, a hurry, and a sack.
Based on those recent performances, is it enough to say that Moore should be the starter moving forward? Some Chiefs fans would say no, especially with the upside that Simmons has shown in his rookie season.
However, when Simmons does ultimately return, he would’ve missed at least four games, which includes this week’s contest against the Buffalo Bills.
It’s tough to say a player should lose their job, especially when it wasn’t involving an injury. But maybe this is Nagy’s way of giving the youngster a heads-up to hurry back soon, as we’re about to enter the second-half push.