As the Kansas City Chiefs start another week of practice ahead of a highly anticipated showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters to give an injury rundown for the roster. As it turns out, the Chiefs came out of Week 3 very healthy, with only a single injury to speak of on Wednesday.
Left tackle Josh Simmons has been missing in action for the last three games, the result of a back injury that first surfaced on August 18 as training camp wound down in St. Joseph. Simmons not only missed the remaining summer practices, but has gone on to sit out five consecutive games dating back to the final two preseason exhibitions.
A bit of clarity from Andy Reid
On Monday, Reid began the week by chuckling at yet another question about Simmons' availability, but the Chiefs head coach provided a more detailed update than ever before two days later.
"As far as the injuries go, Josh [Simmons] is the only one, and he is making progress," said Reid to begin his media session. "He's had a bulging disc in his lower back and it's kinda hindered the strength of his leg.
"He's working through it. He's here every day, grinding away, and we didn't have to make any roster moves, so we didn't put him on IR or anything, so it's all worked out good that way. But the positive is that he is making progress and getting stronger, which is important with those backs as we all kind of know. Backs can be a little tricky."
When pressed about the bulging disc specifics, which is the first time that's been made known, Reid was asked about surgery as a possibility. "I think we're heading in the right direction here where that shouldn't happen. But we'll see," said Reid.
In Simmons' absence, the Chiefs have turned to rookie free agent Kahlil Benson to start the first three games of the year. He struggled more than ever on the left side against the Dolphins, but the Chiefs offered a bit less help than in the first two games. There's also more film on Benson at this point than before. However, it seems likely that Benson will give it another go on Sunday against Las Vegas.
The bye week could be pivotal for Josh Simmons
After Week 4, the Chiefs get some space to reevaluate everything during the bye week, and the extra rest might be what Simmons needs to turn the corner. If not, it will at least provide K.C. with some time to potentially pivot to other answers, including newly acquired offensive tackle Diego Pounds, who is also a rookie free agent who was claimed by the Chiefs on the waiver wire in late August. It's also possible Benson continues to improve with experience.
Simmons was the Chiefs' first-round pick in 2025 and, when healthy, is a potential franchise tackle who looks elite in pass protection. But availability was a problem at Ohio Statem with a season-ending patellar injury in 2024, and those concerns followed him to the NFL, as he missed eight total games during his rookie campaign due to a wrist injury (four games in December) and a family matter (four games in October).
Reid's comments at least provide a bit more clarity, even if Simmons' status remains uncertain. Fans will be anxious to see Simmons back with the offensive line in the long-term, but for now, Chiefs Kingdom is just happy with more information.
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