Kansas City Chiefs fans have been left wondering about the status of left tackle Josh Simmons, the player tasked with protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. Simmons, the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 draft, has appeared in just eight of the team’s first twenty games.
Recent absence and limited information
After a season‑ending patellar tendon injury at Ohio State in October 2024, Simmons was expected to return quickly. Early reports in 2025 suggested his recovery was ahead of schedule, and the Chiefs activated him for rookie minicamp. Yet, since the start of the 2026 season, Simmons has not participated in practice or game action.
Undrafted rookie right tackle Khali Benson has filled in at right tackle, but the Chiefs have struggled on the left side. In the season‑opening win over the Miami Dolphins, Benson was beaten off the line of scrimmage almost immediately, highlighting the need for a stable left tackle.
Team statements and coach’s comments
Head coach Andy Reid told Chiefs Digest reporter Matt Derrick, “I will let you guys know when Josh is coming back. I’ll be the first to tell you. So we’ll just see how that all works out.” Reid’s comment underscores the team’s reluctance to provide a firm timeline.
By contrast, when safety Chamarris Connor missed the first three games, Reid offered a more definitive update, saying, “He practiced last week, and he’ll get going this week, too.” The disparity in communication has drawn criticism from local media and fans.
Media coverage and unanswered questions
National reporters such as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler have noted that the injury itself is not the primary concern; rather, “character” issues were cited during the draft process. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame reported that Simmons left the team without approval before a game against the Detroit Lions, and that the organization was unsure of his whereabouts for a period of time.
OutKick reached out to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and Simmons’ agent Drew Rosenhaus for comment, but received no response. The lack of official clarification has led to speculation about possible personal or family matters, though the team has only described the situation as a “personal/family issue”.
Impact on the Chiefs’ offense
Without a reliable left tackle, the Chiefs’ offensive line has faced increased pressure. Protecting Mahomes is a critical component of Kansas City’s high‑powered offense, and the uncertainty surrounding Simmons hampers game planning.
Other Chiefs injuries have been reported more transparently. Rookie defensive end Mansoor Delane’s shoulder injury, for example, was quickly covered by reporters Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, and Tom Pelissero, with regular updates throughout the week.
What fans can expect
As of September 28, 2026, Simmons has missed the first three games and has not practiced since August 18. The team maintains that he is present in the building, but no further details have been released.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for official updates from the Chiefs’ media relations department. Until the organization provides a concrete timeline, the status of Josh Simmons will remain an open question for Kansas City supporters.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
