Josh

Simmons

According to Rapoport, Simmons was sitting with his feet up during a meeting and Reid told him to put his feet down. Simmons then “pushed back” by saying he had to sit that way because of his back injury. Reid then sent him to get treatment from the training staff. Even Patrick Mahomes chimed in and told Simmons to leave. Simmons was placed on injured reserve the next day. The former first-round pick appeared in just eight games as a rookie and hasn’t taken the field yet this year. Now he’s becoming a problem in the locker room on top of his never-ending health issues. We wouldn’t expect to see him play in a Chiefs uniform again anytime soon.

The Chiefs made head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder available to the media to explain the 2026 Simmons Saga today. On August 17th, the young left tackle reported calf discomfort in the same leg that he underwent a patellar tendon repair in 2024. Chiefs trainers discovered that a bulging, herniated disc in his lumbar spine was causing the lower-leg issue. According to Burkholder, offensive linemen occasionally deal with this type of disc issue, but Simmons’ issue was complicated because it was abnormally high up in the lumbar spine. Simmons consulted with a well-regarded spine specialist, who recommended rehabilitation instead of surgery. Imaging taken early in the rehab process showed improvement, so they stayed the course, but unfortunately, Simmons’ recovery has recently plateaued, leading to the injured reserve placement. Simmons will be eligible to return for the Chiefs’ Week 11 game against the Cardinals.

Simmons did actually practice this week, so he’s trending in the right direction, but Khalil Benson gets another start while Simmons tries to get past a bulging disc in his back.

The Chiefs’ starting left tackle might need more time off, but his continued practice participation is good to see. The Chiefs take on the struggling Chargers this week, and may be able to get by alright without him.

Simmons has been held out of practice for roughly two months while dealing with a bulging disc in his lower back. Kansas City’s starting left tackle has yet to play a snap this year while dealing with the back injury. Head coach Andy Reid said the team will “ease him back in, but on a limited basis.” There is currently no timetable for when Simmons will return. Undrafted Khalil Benson has been serviceable as the team’s starting left tackle, but Simmons will ultimately be a notable upgrade whenever he returns to action. Benson is still expected to start this week versus the Chargers.

Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Simmons is dealing with a bulging disc in his lower back. Brutal. On the plus side, CB Chamarri Conner (knee) will make his return.

Simmons hasn’t played or practiced this year. Reid told reporters that he was making progress but will remain out of practice today. Kahlil Benson will presumably draw another start at left tackle in Week 4.

Kahlil Benson draws another start. Simmons has not been spotted at practice since the regular season started.

The Chiefs enter Week 2 relatively healthy as they look to start the season with consecutive victories. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs carry forward a run-heavy attack after pounding the football on the ground in a Week 1 win over the Broncos.

Backup OT Kahlil Benson will start in Simmons’ stead. He did so last week and avoided major mistakes. The Chiefs also ruled out CB Chamarri Conner (knee).