The Mystifying Absence of Josh Simmons from the Kansas City Chiefs

Josh Simmons, the Kansas City Chiefs left tackle, is conspicuously absent once again. This key player is tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes, a central figure of the NFL’s dynasty. Simmons has participated in only eight out of 20 games since being drafted by the Chiefs two seasons ago.

Undrafted rookie Khali Benson has stepped in for Simmons. Despite the team’s 3-0 record, Benson showed significant limitations against the Miami Dolphins. Clips from the game reveal defenders swiftly bypassing him.

Simmons brings stability to the offense, yet his return remains a mystery.

In the NFL, fans expect constant updates on player injuries from insiders. Simmons’ situation contrasts starkly with this norm.

Revisiting the 2025 pre-draft period sheds some light. In 2024, Simmons experienced a patellar tendon injury while at Ohio State. Reports suggested his recovery was ahead of schedule, leading the Chiefs to draft him 32nd overall. Simmons participated in the rookie minicamp thereafter.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, concerns over Simmons were not medical but tied to ‘character’. These concerns kept most teams away from drafting him despite his promise as an OT and clearance for contact.

Simmons initially appeared to address Kansas City’s left tackle concerns. However, his standing has changed.

On Oct. 6, 2025, an ‘illness’ listed Simmons as questionable before the Chiefs’ game against the Jaguars. He played successfully but went AWOL for the Lions match the following week. Coach Andy Reid seemed aware, yet offered no clear reason for Simmons’ four-game absence beyond citing a ‘personal/family issue’.

Reports lacked clarity, with the team reportedly unsure of Simmons’ whereabouts prior to games. Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated later noted Simmons left without approval before the Lions match, leading to confusion within the team.

In the latest update, Simmons missed practice due to a ‘back injury’. Despite being reported as ‘fine’, he did not attend subsequent practices and missed early season games.

Reid’s cryptic update contrasts sharply with straightforward injury reports on fellow players. Queries around Simmons lack detail, making silence concerning.

The NFL commonly reports on injuries across various platforms. Yet, Simmons’ case defies this practice. Fowler described it as ‘mysterious’.

Reporters either lack knowledge of Simmons’ status or opt against disclosing it publicly.

Speculation arises, linking Simmons’ current absence to last season’s disappearances, possibly stemming from pre-draft character concerns.

Despite options like placing Simmons on injured reserve or a non-football list, the Chiefs’ silence worsens the situation. They could have issued a statement respecting Simmons’ privacy while addressing his status.

Ambiguity surrounds Simmons’ absence. If truly a back injury, why conceal information? The Chiefs’ reticence suggests complexities beyond mere injury.

Questions about Simmons’ passion for the game or desire to compete emerge from this secrecy.

The Chiefs owe fans transparency, either through a roster move or an explanation regarding Simmons.