The Kansas City Chiefs opened Week 2 preparation for the Indianapolis Colts with two notable starters unavailable at Wednesday practice: left tackle Josh Simmons remained out with a back injury, while defensive back Chamarri Conner did not participate because of a knee issue.
The early-week report does not determine Sunday night’s availability, but it keeps two important lineup questions alive for a Chiefs team coming off a convincing 31-10 win over Denver. Simmons’ status is especially significant because the back issue already kept him out of the opener, while Conner also missed Week 1.
Josh Simmons is still working back from the injury that cost him Week 1
Simmons’ Wednesday absence is a continuation of the same back problem that shaped Kansas City’s offensive-line plan entering the season. FSN previously covered how Simmons was trending toward missing Week 1 and put Kahlil Benson in the blindside spotlight.
Kansas City survived that absence against Denver, but one successful week does not make left tackle depth irrelevant. Patrick Mahomes was a full participant Wednesday with a knee designation, and the Chiefs would prefer to protect him with their intended starting line rather than continue leaning on contingency plans.
The positive part for Kansas City is that the offense functioned well without Simmons in the opener. FSN’s Week 1 recap of the Chiefs’ 31-10 win over the Broncos showed how effectively the running game and overall offensive structure compensated for the missing tackle. The Week 2 question is whether the Chiefs can keep that stability if Simmons needs another week.
Chamarri Conner adds a second lineup question on defense
Conner was also listed as a non-participant Wednesday because of a knee injury. He did not play in the opener, so Kansas City is again preparing for the possibility that its defensive-back rotation may need to operate without him.
That matters against Indianapolis because the Colts are already trying to clean up their own offensive and communication issues after Week 1. FSN reported this week that Indianapolis moved its defensive green-dot duties to Akeem Davis-Gaither, one of several adjustments the Colts are making before the trip to Kansas City.
Conner’s absence would not force the Chiefs to rebuild the secondary, but it would reduce flexibility against an opponent that can stress defenses with multiple personnel groupings and intermediate throws.
Mansoor Delane’s full practice is an encouraging counterweight
The Chiefs did receive a positive development in the secondary. Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane practiced fully after leaving Week 1 with a shoulder injury. FSN previously covered the encouraging update on Delane after imaging showed no major damage, and Wednesday’s full participation is another step toward him being available against Indianapolis.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones was limited with a calf issue, while Rashee Rice, L’Jarius Sneed, Ashton Gillotte and R Mason Thomas were full participants. That makes the Simmons and Conner absences stand out more clearly as the two Week 2 situations most likely to affect Kansas City’s starting structure.
What to watch Thursday and Friday
The next two practices will provide the most useful signal. If Simmons or Conner returns in a limited capacity Thursday, Kansas City could still have a realistic path toward getting either player back Sunday night. Another full absence would increase the likelihood that the Chiefs prepare to use the same replacements they relied on in Week 1.
For Simmons in particular, the trend matters more than the Wednesday label itself. He has now carried the back issue across the opening two weeks of the season, so the Chiefs will want to see clear progress before putting him back in a high-leverage position protecting Mahomes.
Sources
- Kansas City Chiefs: Week 2 injury report vs. Colts (September 16, 2026)
- NFL.com: Official Week 2 injury report (accessed September 17, 2026)