Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is notably missing from the team again. His role is critical. He’s tasked with protecting the blindside of Patrick Mahomes, the key player of the NFL’s dominant dynasty.
Simmons has played only eight of 20 games since being drafted by the Chiefs two seasons ago. Khali Benson, an undrafted rookie, is filling the role this season. Although the Chiefs are 3-0, Benson’s performance against the Dolphins showed limitations. Defenders frequently beat him off the line of scrimmage.
The Chiefs offense misses Simmons’ stability, and there’s no information on his return. The mystery is notable in a league where insiders regularly update even obscure players’ injuries. Understanding why Simmons is absent requires looking back at the 2025 pre-draft process.
Josh Simmons #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs stands on the team sideline during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo.
In October 2024, Simmons suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury at Ohio State. Reports indicated a rapid recovery, and the Chiefs drafted him 32nd overall. Immediately, he participated in rookie minicamp.
Jeremy Fowler, ESPN’s reporter connected with the Chiefs, stated the injury wasn’t why Simmons dropped to the final first-round pick. Instead, the concern was about his character. Teams acknowledged his talent, but character worries made nearly every team overlook Simmons.
In the first month of last season, Simmons appeared to be solving Kansas City’s left tackle problem. That interpretation has changed. On Oct. 6, 2025, just before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Simmons was listed as questionable due to an illness. He played well.
This incident might have faded, but Simmons later missed a game against the Lions after practicing all week. Players and staff were unsure of his whereabouts. Afterward, Coach Andy Reid seemed aware of the situation but offered no explanation. The team described his four-game absence only as a personal/family issue.
Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated recently reported that Simmons departed the team without approval the Saturday before the Lions game. There was a period when his location was unknown. OutKick tried to confirm this with the general manager and Simmons’ agent, but neither responded.
Josh Simmons No. 71 of the Kansas City Chiefs prepares to block Patrick Johnson No. 48 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of an NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium.
After a complete training camp, Simmons missed practice on Aug. 18. Though reported as fine, Simmons hasn’t practiced since and has missed the first three games. Despite claims of his presence in the building, he isn’t fine.
Reid recently gave a vague update about Simmons. Contrastingly, Reid was direct about another injured player, safety Chamarris Connor. Reporting on other injured players was thorough, yet there’s a notable lack concerning Simmons.
ESPN and other networks extensively cover injury news, yet Simmons’ status regarding protecting Mahomes goes largely unexplored nationally. Fowler described the injury as mysterious, reinforcing its oddity.
NFL’s top reporters either lack information on Simmons’ absence or aren’t pursuing it publicly. The Chiefs either lack clarity on Simmons’ return or are withholding information. The situation is distinctly unusual.
Speculation suggests connections between Simmons’ absences and pre-draft character concerns. NFL teams sometimes describe personal issues as injuries to protect players.
The Chiefs worsened matters by saying nothing and keeping Simmons active. Placing him on injured reserve or the non-football injury list could have shown transparency, but they chose ambiguity instead.
The continuation of silence invites speculation beyond a simple back injury. The lack of reporting and careful communication hints at more complexity. Why don’t the Chiefs reveal details on Simmons? His absence suggests possibilities, including his relationship with the game itself.
The Chiefs owe Simmons and their fans an explanation or a roster decision acknowledging his uncertain return.
Rampant speculation about Simmons seems less damaging than revealing the truth.