Member of Chiefs medical staff reveals cause of Josh Simmons on IR

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Member of Chiefs medical staff reveals cause of Josh Simmons on IR

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Oct 22, 2026 3:38 PM ET

Optimism about the possible return of a key member of the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line took a major hit on Thursday afternoon.

As announced during a news conference, the 5-0 Chiefs placed left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve, believing he's "plateaued" and delaying his comeback.

Information about Josh Simmons' injury was revealed by a member of the Chiefs medical staff

Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder read a prepared statement about Simmons.

"Josh worked his tail off," Burkholder opened. "He worked diligently with my staff every day and has improved to the point where he returned to practice in a limited capacity last week. However, we feel that he’s plateaued in the rehab process as he’s trying to get to the final steps of recovery with return to competition, and he’s just not there yet."

Simmons has missed the entire 2026 season so far due to a back injury. But for some good news, he's not slated for surgery, and the plan is still for him to work toward being able to play before the end of this season.

The #Chiefs, when they have a health situation that requires more context, send out head trainer Rick Burkholder to explain it to the media.

He did that today with LT Josh Simmons.

Here’s his full explanation: https://t.co/pYCEWuZHtE pic.twitter.com/FHNcMQRh5n
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 22, 2026

Burkholder also revealed that Simmons initially felt discomfort in his calf in mid-August, but it was ultimately determined that the root cause was in his lower back. Simmons' pain occurred in the same leg where he suffered a torn patellar tendon in 2024 while in college at Ohio State.

Josh Simmons helped Ohio State win a national title

Drafted with the 32nd overall pick in the first round in 2025, Simmons started in eight games for the Chiefs as a rookie last season before dealing with personal issues and other injuries. Simmons was a third-team All-Big Ten player and member of the Buckeyes' College Football Playoff national championship team as a senior. He began his college career at San Diego State before transferring to Ohio State ahead of the 2023 season.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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