Chiefs Place LT Josh Simmons On IR

Simmons, 23, will miss Kansas City’s next four games. At best, he could return in Week 10 against the Falcons.

The Chiefs made head trainer Burkholder available to the media on Thursday afternoon to give a detailed update on Simmons’ injury and status.

“On August 17th, Josh came to me with calf discomfort, feeling that he couldn’t post on a single leg in training camp practices,” Burkholder said (via Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star). “This was the same leg that he had knee surgery on in 2024. He was evaluated by our physicians who, thankfully, suspected a low-back injury instead of a lower-leg or knee ailment.”

An MRI confirmed that Simmons had a “bulging herniated disc in his lumbar spine.” Complicating matters was the position of the injury, which was “higher up than what we usually see in our offensive line,” Burkholder explained. Simmons saw a spine specialist in California and received a recommendation against surgery. A second MRI a few weeks later confirmed that surgery was not necessary, and Simmons continued his rehabilitation.

However, the second-year lineman “plateaued in his rehab process,” leading the team to evaluate an IR placement. Simmons missed practice on Wednesday with a personal/back designation as he conferred with his team regarding next steps.

“It was decided and agreed upon by everybody…that he should be placed on IR to give him more time to return to full function,” Burkholder continued.

The Chiefs have relied upon undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side to start the season. The former Indiana standout has not allowed a single sack through five games, though his 43.7 pass-blocking grade is the fourth-worst among starting tackles, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His 76.7 run-blocking grade, however, is the 14th-best in the same group.

Burkholder indicated optimism about Simmons’ return later this season, so Kansas City will likely stick with Benson moving forward. However, with the trade deadline soon approaching, any negative updates on Simmons could inspire the team to explore a move for a more experienced left tackle as they gear up for another Super Bowl chase.

Thursday’s presser stood as a stark contrast to the Eagles’ handling of Jalen Hurts’ blood clots. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has consistently made Burkholder available to explain complicated injury situations in the past, including during their shared time in Philadelphia. But Eagles head coach Nick Siranni has consistently referred questions about Hurts to the team’s two statements on the situation, which total fewer than 400 words, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Burkholder’s comments may have also served as a preemptive response to the potential return of criticism about Simmons’ work ethic and dedication. He insisted that Simmons “worked his tail off” in rehab and believes that the former Ohio State standout can return to his previous high level of play.