The Mysterious Case Of the Missing Chief: What’s Going On With Josh Simmons?

When a first-round draft pick vanishes from the lineup just hours before a crucial “Sunday Night Football” game, and the organization goes into full Fort Knox mode, it makes you wonder. This is the situation surrounding Kansas City Chiefs’ Left Tackle, Josh Simmons.

One minute, Simmons was slated to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside against the Detroit Lions. Next, he was back in his hometown of San Diego, dealing with a “family matter,” and the Chiefs’ brass went radio silent. When you have a head coach as talkative as Andy Reid suddenly clamming up, you know something is serious. Reid, a man who could probably give you a 10-minute dissertation on the merits of a cheeseburger, offered a curt, “I’m not going to comment on it today,” when pressed about Simmons. That’s the coaching equivalent of a digital ghosting.

The Chiefs Circle the Wagons

If Reid’s silence was a red flag, Patrick Mahomes’ comments were a sobering confirmation that this is more than just a minor issue. Mahomes, the face of the franchise and a leader in every sense, kept his remarks brief but heartfelt. “I’ll keep conversations kind of between us, but I’m always praying for him,” he said. There is a weight to those words. It is the kind of statement that transcends football and speaks to genuine human concern. It tells you everything by telling you nothing. This isn’t about a contract dispute or a missed practice; it’s about life getting in the way of the game.

The Chiefs organization has put up a wall of privacy around Simmons, a move that, while frustrating for fans and media, is entirely respectable. Whatever Simmons is navigating, it is his to navigate, and the unified front from his coach and quarterback shows a level of support that goes beyond the gridiron.

What This Means For Murray and the Chiefs Offense

With no timeline for Simmons’ return, the Chiefs turn to their “next man up”—a cliché that exists for exactly these kinds of moments. Veteran Jaylon Moore stepped in against a ferocious Lions pass rush and, all things considered, held his own. He wasn’t perfect, but he kept Mahomes upright enough for the Chiefs to secure a much-needed victory. It looks like Moore will get the nod again this week against the Raiders. The Chiefs wisely invested in offensive line depth this offseason, and that decision is already paying dividends.

For now, the mystery of Simmons’ absence remains just that—a mystery. And maybe it should stay that way. It is a powerful reminder that these larger-than-life athletes are still human, with families, struggles, and lives outside the stadium lights. As Chiefs Kingdom hopes for the best for Simmons, they can take solace in knowing their team is rallying around one of their own when it matters most.