The NFL season kicks off this week, and the big story that Kansas City Chiefs fans are fixating on is Josh Simmons. Will the first-round left tackle from last year's draft be able to suit up and protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside in the Chiefs' 2026 season opener?
So far, the signs are pointing to no. This, naturally, is making Chiefs fans anxious, and it's not hard to blame them. At the same time, though, if Simmons is dealing with a back injury, then it makes sense that he'd want to play it safe and not push through the pain, which could make it much worse.
It's still worrisome, though. Andy Reid had previously said that the back injury wasn't anything to worry about, yet Simmons has missed every practice since then and has not appeared in a single preseason game. That is not helping ease fans' anxiety surrounding the situation.
Some fans have taken this situation and really run with it, accusing Simmons of not having enough love for the sport because he sought a second opinion on the injury. That might be stretching things a bit, especially since we only know what Reid and the Chiefs tell us.
Chiefs fans may want to wait for more answers on Josh Simmons
Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame added a little more to the situation with an update on Monday.
"Simmons sustained a back injury in camp. The team didn’t believe it was major. He then missed a few days and, as has been widely reported, got a second opinion. To my knowledge, nothing changed from it," said Verderame.
"Currently, Simmons and the Chiefs are working through the injury together, an injury which has clearly lingered," he continued. "This is not a case of a player deciding not to practice/play, which I know has been a topic of conversation on here. As for Week 1, his status remains unclear. The first practice of the week for KC is on Thursday."
Bob Fescoe of 610 Sports Radio also added his own take on the situation Tuesday morning, noting that the Chiefs have a plan in place and that the second opinion was the Chiefs' doing.
"First and foremost, this is not a Josh Simmons situation. If it was up to Josh, he'd be out there practicing right now," Fescoe said. "The Chiefs sent him to get a second opinion. That was their call for him to go out there and get that second opinion because you want to know what the hell's going on, right? Everybody gets a second opinion."
Josh Simmons' status remains unclear ahead of Week 1
It's a tricky situation. Back injuries can linger for an entire career, so it's not something Simmons and the Chiefs should take lightly. At the same time, fans have a right to be anxious, considering how up-and-down Simmons' rookie year was and the time he missed due to personal reasons. He's played in just eight games since being the 32nd pick in last year's draft, and that's cause for concern for sure.
Considering that Mahomes is returning so quickly from his knee injury, it's understandable that fans want to see Simmons out there at left tackle protecting their franchise quarterback. At the same time, rushing a guy back from injury is not a bright idea. It's better for Simmons to get this second opinion and go from there than to rush back onto the field and aggravate a lingering injury. That would not be a good look.
Carrington Harrison of 610 Sports dropped a very reasonable take on the situation. He pointed out that fans are likely overreacting to the situation but also stated that this team needs their first-round left tackle. Both are very true statements.
A few thoughts:
— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) September 8, 2026
People are probably overreacting to Josh Simmons.
The constant lack of information around him is creating the "controversy". It's always been something with him.
If you don't give people a story, they will largely make one up.
The Chiefs really need him.
Well said. Because the team isn't giving the fan base much to go on, it's been easy for fans to come to their own conclusions. When they hear that Simmons is seeking a second opinion, that, paired with the time he missed last year, is somehow interpreted to mean that his heart isn't in the game anymore.
The fact of the matter is that until the Chiefs give fans and the media more to go on, this is going to continue. Hopefully, we get more answers sooner rather than later, but the most important thing should be that Simmons plays when he's fully given the green light and is comfortable doing so.
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