The Kansas City Chiefs are again without their key left tackle, Josh Simmons. Tasked with safeguarding Patrick Mahomes, Simmons is crucial to the team. Despite his importance, he has only participated in eight of 20 games since joining as a draft pick two years ago.
This season, Khali Benson, an undrafted rookie, is filling in for Simmons. Although the team boasts a 3-0 record, Benson’s performance against the Dolphins exposed his limitations. The Chiefs’ highlight reel even shows him struggling against defenders.
The absence of Simmons leaves a void, yet the timeline for his return remains unknown. Information about his absence eludes both fans and league insiders, despite the NFL’s usual transparency on player injuries. To grasp the situation fully, we must revisit Simmons’ journey from the 2025 pre-draft process.
Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ #71, stood on the sidelines during a game against the Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in 2026. (Photo by Getty Images)
In 2024, Simmons suffered a severe knee injury at Ohio State, which ended his season. However, reports suggested he was recovering swiftly. Despite this, Simmons was drafted 32nd by Kansas City. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler attributed this drop in draft position to concerns over Simmons’ character rather than his injury. These were reportedly significant enough for multiple teams to pass on him.
Eventually, Simmons seemed to solve the Chiefs’ left tackle issues. Yet, his progress was halted. In October 2025, Simmons was listed as “questionable” with an illness just before a game against the Jaguars. He played well despite this.
Things changed before the following match against the Lions. Simmons failed to attend his pregame duties. Coach Andy Reid implied he knew Simmons’ whereabouts, but the team offered limited explanations for his absence. This led to rampant speculation about personal or family matters affecting Simmons.
Last month’s report by Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame suggested Simmons left the team without notice. The Chiefs have neither confirmed nor denied this report.
Presently, Simmons is still missing from practice due to an apparent “back injury,” raising doubts about his fitness. Although Verderame’s coverage indicated no major concern initially, Simmons has been out for three games. Many wonder if this absence ties back to previous issues.
Josh Simmons blocking during a match against the Eagles in 2025. (Photo by Getty Images)
Andy Reid’s recent comments on Simmons are vague compared to updates on other injured players. This lack of detail fuels questions regarding Simmons’ actual condition. Past injury reports for other Chiefs players, like rookie Mansoor Delane, featured regular and detailed updates, unlike Simmons’ situation.
No major network has provided clarity about Simmons’ status, sparking rumors about his willingness to play and love for the sport. Yahoo’s Hayden Winks and Chiefs analyst Price Carter have both pointed out the lack of information surrounding Simmons.
The Chiefs can opt to offer explanations or make roster adjustments acknowledging Simmons’ situation. By saying little and maintaining ambiguity, the team has allowed speculation to eclipse the reality of the situation. Ultimately, a simple back injury seems inadequate as the sole explanation for the secrecy surrounding Simmons.
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