Andy Reid expects two important Chiefs to be present for training camp

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to return to the top of the NFL after failing to achieve their three-peat aspirations last season.

Super Bowl LIX was a reality check for Kansas City, which exposed its offensive line — particularly the left tackle position — and a lack of a true go-to option in the passing attack.

Heading into 2025, the Chiefs have upgraded both positions with the return of WR Rashee Rice — who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers — and first-round pick Josh Simmons, who looks to earn the starting left tackle position as a rookie. 

While Rice has been working back from his knee injury, Simmons has also dealt with an underlying leg injury, which was the main reason he slipped to the end of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Otherwise, the former Ohio State tackle would have been an earlier pick.

Head coach Andy Reid was asked about the availability of both players for training camp on Thursday following practice.

"Yeah, I think they're both [Rice and Simmons] ready to go," Reid said. "They got great work in these camps here."

Before going down with the significant knee injury that kept him out for the remainder of the 2024 campaign, Rice led the team with 24 receptions, 288 yards, and two touchdowns.

There has been speculation about a potential suspension for the 25-year-old receiver for his involvement in a car accident that left multiple people injured. However, there has been no progress in the investigation, which could delay a suspension for Rice.

As for Simmons, the Chiefs are desperate for a staple at left tackle. The lack of protection for Patrick Mahomes has been the culprit for Kansas City's two Super Bowl defeats in the Reid-Mahomes era.

The Chiefs signed former San Francisco 49ers backup left tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30M contract earlier this offseason.

If either Simmons or Moore proves to be the answer at left tackle, and Rice continues his performance from a year ago, Kansas City should be right there at the end of the season, competing for another Lombardi Trophy.