Chiefs 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons reveals what he's most looking forward to in the next step of his injury rehab

Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is working hard to be a full-go for training camp in late July.

Kansas City opened mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and Simmons got some work in. He is continuing to rehab from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee that he suffered back in October with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Despite the injury, the Chiefs felt comfortable using their 2025 first-round draft pick on him at No. 31 overall back in April. Coach Andy Reid has been impressed with Simmons' recovery and work ethic. While speaking to the media following minicamp practice, Simmons said he's at the point in his recovery that he thought he would be at this time.

"This is kind of what I anticipated, what I worked for," Simmons said. "I got my operation done by the platinum standard, and then I have the best in the business here."

Simmons isn't getting too far ahead of himself, as proof when asked if he thinks he'll be without limitations for training camp.

"Just taking it day-by-day," Simmons said. "Whatever will happen will happen."

Simmons also admitted that it has been challenging not to push himself too hard, but the trust he has built with the Chiefs' staff has helped him.

"This time last year I was anticipating going a lot harder," Simmons said. "But everything happens for a reason. I trust the staff around me, the players around me. I'm just going to do what I can."

Simmons then revealed that he is eagerly looking forward to being able to put pads on during training camp, which appears to be the next and possible final step of evaluating his recovery.

"Very," Simmons said when asked how much he is looking forward to playing with pads on. "I wanted to be able to throw the pads on ASAP, but things happen for a reason. Whatever the staff allows me to do, I'm going to do."

It seems that Simmons has made a great impression on his coaches and teammates early on with his positive attitude and mindset. If he has no setbacks during minicamp, he will have a shot at competing for the starting LT job against Jaylon Moore, who K.C. signed in free agency during the offseason. The Chiefs will practice again on Wednesday and Thursday before wrapping up minicamp and taking the next several weeks off ahead of training camp.