The Kansas City Chiefs have moved left tackle Josh Simmons to injured reserve, sparking doubts about his health, reliability, and long‑term prospects with the franchise and the NFL for future.
Key takeaways
- Simmons' back injury, identified as a bulging disc, led to his placement on IR, mandating a minimum four‑game absence.
- The Chiefs' public updates on his status have been inconsistent, with the coach and medical staff offering differing timelines.
- Previous unexplained absences and pre‑draft character concerns have already cast doubt on Simmons' reliability.
- If Simmons cannot return soon, the Chiefs may need to consider alternatives at the critical left‑tackle position.
The Chiefs announced that left tackle Josh Simmons has been placed on injured reserve. The team said Simmons first reported a leg issue on Aug. 17, which was later identified as a bulging disc in his back; a specialist advised therapy rather than surgery.
Simmons has not appeared in any game this season and practiced only in a limited capacity last week, his first session since reporting the injury. He was listed as a non‑participant for "back/non‑injury personal reasons" before deciding, with family, to go on IR, a move that requires him to miss at least four games.
Injury details and IR designation
Earlier in August, media reports suggested the injury was minor and that Simmons would be back by Week 1. Those expectations shifted when Chiefs vice‑president of sports medicine Rich Burkholder said Simmons "plateaued" in his recovery, while head coach Andy Reid gave mixed messages about his availability.
Simmons' reliability has been questioned before. In his rookie season he missed a month after the team cited a "personal matter," and pre‑draft coverage noted character concerns that caused some teams to drop him from their boards. He was selected 32nd overall in the 2025 draft and has played only eight games over his first two seasons.
Inconsistent updates from the coaching staff
Taken together, the unclear injury timeline, prior unexplained absences, and draft‑day issues have led analysts to wonder whether Simmons will return this season or remain the Chiefs' starting left tackle moving forward.
Frequently asked questions
What specific injury caused Josh Simmons to be placed on injured reserve?
According to the Chiefs, Simmons suffered a bulging disc in his back, originally reported as a leg issue, and was advised to pursue therapy.
How many games must Simmons miss because of the IR designation?
NFL rules require a player placed on injured reserve to sit out at least four games.
What past incidents have contributed to concerns about Simmons' reliability?
Simmons missed a month during his rookie season for a "personal matter," faced pre‑draft character concerns that affected his draft stock, and has appeared in only eight games over two seasons.
Source: www.foxnews.com