Josh Simmons’ career with the Kansas City Chiefs has been well-chronicled here at OutKick.
The Chiefs spent a first-round pick on Simmons in the 2025 draft. The offensive lineman out of Ohio State was looked at as a critical piece to protect Patrick Mahomes. However, he only played eight games in 2025 and has yet to see the field in 2026. He may not see the field at all this season after being placed on the injured reserve earlier in the week.
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Kansas City Chiefs tackle Josh Simmons speaks to media members during a short press conference after the team’s mandatory minicamp in Kansas City, Mo., on June 9, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Questions about Simmons’ absence have largely been unanswered.
Earlier in the week, the team said the 23-year-old NFL player had been dealing with a bulging disc in his back. He had previously been listed on the team’s injury report as being a non-participant due to a “back/non-injury personal reasons.” Simmons’ absence had previously been described as “mysterious” at best.
A new report on Sunday only fueled more questions about Simmons’ status with the team.
Simmons had a meeting with Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid and was told to leave during it, ESPN and NFL Network reported. Simmons later apologized for his antics.
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Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) on the field against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 23, 2025. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The second-year player reportedly put his feet up in a team meeting room while talking with Reid. When the coach told him to put his feet down, the report said Simmons told Reid he needed to keep his feet up on the desk to help with his back. Reid told Simmons to seek treatment from the team’s athletic trainers and as the back-and-forth continued, Mahomes echoed Reid’s desire for Simmons to seek treatment.
Simmons was placed on the IR on Thursday. If he’s able, Simmons can return during Week 11.
Simmons’ future was largely clouded even before the report dropped on Sunday. As OutKick has noted, Simmons faced questions about his “character” before the 2025 draft. He was coming off a patellar tendon injury before the event, which also raised questions.
Now, the man who was thought to have been Mahomes’ protector for the remainder of the quarterback’s career may completely be out, forcing the team back to the drawing board.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) line up against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Aug. 9, 2025. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Kahlil Benson is next to step up in the left tackle position. Benson has played in all five games for the Chiefs this season so far.