Chiefs' Rashee Rice, Josh Simmons out vs. Chargers

Pete Sweeney, The Kansas City Star on Oct 16, 2026

Published in Football

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out wide receiver Rashee Rice and left tackle Josh Simmons for their game Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was limited in practice all week because of his knee injury, and he is questionable to play.

Rice injured his hamstring during the team’s Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Rice was officially held out all week, but he was seen during the media portion of practice wearing gym clothes and running on Thursday.

That could indicate he is progress toward a return, potentially as soon as next week’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

“You guys saw him out there,” head coach Andy Reid said of Rice. “He’s out there and wanting to jump in on everything, and he’ll be all right. You never know about these (hamstring injuries), but he’s a pretty fast healer.”

With Rice leaving the Raiders matchup early, second-year receiver Jalen Royals played 38 snaps, and he could see an expanded role Sunday against the Chargers.

“Jalen’s done a nice job,” Reid said. “He’s done a nice job on special teams, too. He’s really focused in on it. He’s very smart, and so he studies everything. (He) doesn’t say much. It wouldn’t be a good interview for you guys, but he has great focus.”

In 11 career appearances, Royals has five catches for 21 yards. Other options are receiver include rookie Cyrus Allen, while the Chiefs could also elevate Andrew Armstrong or Justin Watson from the practice squad.

“They’re excited to get in if they have that chance,” Reid said. “I think they’ll do a good job. (Patrick Mahomes has) got a good relationship with those guys, and that’s important. He has some trust there too.”

Simmons practiced for the first time since injuring his back in August on Wednesday, and he worked all three practice days this week in a limited capacity.

“He got some work,” Reid said. “He didn’t work in the team periods, but that was the idea that we went out with, just so we could get some base in with some fundamentals and technique and start getting that back.”

Simmons’ fellow linemen were excited to see him back on the field.

“We love Josh,” center Creed Humphrey said. “We love watching him. He’s a stud, obviously — all the physical tools and stuff. So seeing him get back out there and working, it’s been great.”

With Simmons out, rookie Kahlil Benson is expected to make his fourth straight start.

The Chargers have ruled out five starters, including right tackle Joe Alt, left guard Kayode Awosika, wide receiver Tre’ Harris, cornerback Donte Jackson and safety Derwin James. With no injury designation, wide receiver Ladd McConkey appears set for his first action since late September.