Week 3 is here, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins have officially dropped their inactive lists for Sunday afternoon, bringing some early season drama. For the Chiefs, who are marching into this game with serious expectations of a deep playoff run, they’re already facing an uphill battle. Tackle Josh Simmons is out with a back injury, and safety Chamarri Conner, who was doubtful on Friday, is now officially sidelined with a knee issue. Both players are major absences for a squad that can’t afford to slip up if they want to live up to those big playoff dreams.
Chiefs’ Defensive Holes Emerge Early in Week 3
Having Simmons, a tackle, out with a back injury is a tough blow for Kansas City’s offensive line. Protecting their quarterback and creating running lanes is always critical, and missing a player like Simmons, who “leads the team’s inactive list” according to the source, means the guys stepping in have to deliver big-time. Then you’ve got safety Chamarri Conner, out with a knee problem. That’s a direct hit to the secondary, forcing other defensive backs to pick up the slack. When you’re a team with “deep playoff run” expectations, these kinds of early injuries, especially on defense, can test your depth and resolve immediately. Rounding out the Chiefs’ inactive list are tight end Jared Wiley, linebacker Jack Pyburn, and defensive end Tyreke Smith, further showing the challenges they face in Week 3. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is listed as the emergency quarterback, a common safety net for NFL teams.
Dolphins’ Rebuild Gets a Tough Test
Over on the Miami side, it’s a different story but with similar challenges. The Dolphins are in year one of a “complete franchise rebuild,” hoping they can “grow as a team” this season. Losing wide receiver Caleb Douglas to an ankle injury is a setback for an offense trying to find its footing. He’s a pass-catcher a rebuilding team could really use to help develop chemistry and production. Edge rusher Robert Beal, Jr. is also sidelined with a hamstring issue, meaning less pressure on the opposing quarterback, which is never ideal for a defense trying to establish itself. Another player, Wright, is out with a stinger and foot issue, adding to Miami’s early injury woes. These absences are just another hurdle for a team already focused on growth and development. Also inactive for the Dolphins are cornerback Marcellas Dial, Jr., guard DJ Campbell, and tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick. Quarterback Brady Cook is listed as the third emergency quarterback for Miami, ready to step in if both active quarterbacks go down.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Eastern, and with these significant inactive lists for both teams, Sunday’s game feels like an early test of character. Can the Chiefs navigate these defensive losses and keep their playoff hopes on track? Or will the Dolphins, despite their own injuries, use this as an opportunity to show some early grit in their rebuild? It’s all about who steps up now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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