By Jeremy

Chiefs injury update: Jaylon Moore’s concussion creates concern ahead of Seattle

The Kansas City Chiefs emerged from Sunday’s 22-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers with a 5-0 record, but they did not escape Arrowhead Stadium completely healthy.

Starting right tackle Jaylon Moore suffered the most significant injury of the afternoon, entering the NFL’s concussion protocol during the second quarter. Moore did not return, and Joshua Ezeudu finished the game at right tackle.

Moore has started all five games this season, making his availability a major storyline as the Chiefs prepare to visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.

Chiefs receive encouraging news on Kelce

Travis Kelce created an early scare when he injured his ankle after making a catch in the first half. The veteran tight end went to the sideline, received medical attention and had the ankle taped before returning.

Kelce finished the game with four receptions for 53 yards.

Head coach Andy Reid described the injury as a tweak and said Kelce could be sore on Monday but should be fine. Kelce’s ability to return and finish the game is encouraging, although his practice participation will still be worth watching this week.

Royals and Suamataia avoid significant injuries

Wide receiver Jalen Royals was evaluated for a concussion during the game but was cleared and allowed to return.

Left guard Kingsley Suamataia also briefly left after being kicked in the calf during the fourth quarter. Reid indicated that Suamataia should be fine.

Rookie cornerback Nohl Williams was shaken up early in the contest but quickly returned to action. None of those three players was reported to have suffered a significant injury.

Offensive-tackle depth becomes important

Moore’s concussion arrives while the Chiefs are already waiting for Josh Simmons to return from a back injury.

Simmons practiced on a limited basis throughout last week—his first practices since training camp—but was inactive against Los Angeles. Kansas City has been deliberately easing him back rather than rushing him into the lineup.

If Moore does not clear concussion protocol and Simmons remains unavailable, Ezeudu could be called upon to start against Seattle. Ezeudu performed well in relief Sunday, allowing little pressure despite having minimal regular-season experience at right tackle.

Rice and Thornton remain sidelined

Rashee Rice missed Sunday’s game with the hamstring injury he suffered against the Raiders. Rice did not practice last week, and Kansas City has not announced a firm timetable for his return.

Tyquan Thornton is already on injured reserve following surgery for his dislocated ankle. That leaves Xavier Worthy as Patrick Mahomes’ primary wide receiver, with Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen and Nikko Remigio handling expanded responsibilities.

Practice-squad elevation Andrew Armstrong also played 42 offensive snaps against the Chargers and made his first NFL start, catching one pass for 13 yards while contributing as a run blocker.

ChiefsCrowd take

Moore is the one injury that could materially affect Kansas City’s preparation for Seattle. Concussions have no predictable recovery timetable, and the Chiefs will need to prepare as though Ezeudu might start.

The encouraging news is that Kelce, Royals, Suamataia and Williams all avoided serious injuries. Kansas City also could eventually receive reinforcements from Simmons and Rice.

For now, the undefeated Chiefs appear relatively healthy—except at offensive tackle, where the next several days will determine who protects Mahomes under the lights in Seattle.