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Chiefs Share Josh Simmons Update Amid Prolonged Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 2:49 PM ET

As expected, Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons did not practice on Friday as he remains away from the team for personal reasons.

Simmons, the No. 32 pick in April’s draft, has not played since Week 5. He almost certainly won’t suit up against the Washington Commanders on Monday night, and there is no projected timetable for his return. Jaylon Moore has started at left tackle in the Chiefs’ last two games.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid finally addressed Simmons’ absence on Thursday, telling reporters that it’s not a “negative situation.” The club had primarily kept quiet since unexpectedly ruling Smith out before the Chiefs’ Oct. 12 victory over the Detroit Lions.

“My update for you with Josh would just be, there’s communication,” Reid said. “I’m not going to get into all of it. Everything’s positive. ... He’s taking care of family.”

Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith, who suffered a back injury in last weekend’s blowout, also did not practice Friday. Wanya Morris, a 2023 third-round pick who started 11 games at left tackle last year, could start if Smith can’t go.

What to Know About the Josh Simmons Situation

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons remains away from the teamDenny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs drafted Simmons, who missed most of his final season at Ohio State, planning to immediately start him at left tackle. Not only did Simmons capture the role without any problems, but he quickly impressed as Patrick Mahomes’ blindside protector; Pro Football Focus rates Simmons 25th out of 77 tackles with a 73.0 pass grade, though his 55.0 run block grade only, fittingly, ranks 55th.

“He has really good footwork and power, and he gave up just one sack over 19 career starts at left tackle,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper said ahead of the draft. “Heck, he hadn’t given up a single pressure in six games before the injury last season. That’s the kind of pass protection the Chiefs need.”

However, everything changed in the hours leading up to their 30-17 victory over the Lions earlier this month. ESPN’s Nate Taylor told the “Only Weird Games” podcast that Mahomes asked Chiefs coaches where Simmons was during the club’s Sunday morning walkthrough, only to be told that the staff wasn’t sure.

The Chiefs then ruled Simmons out, though the story went slightly under the radar given the game itself and the postgame altercation between Lions safety Brian Branch and Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Several days later, Reid declined to comment but said that general manager Brett Veach was handling the situation.

Simmons had not publicly commented as of Friday afternoon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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