Uncertainty Surrounds Chiefs’ Josh Simmons

The situation with Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is shrouded in ambiguity after he missed the Week 6 game, something that ESPN Kansas City reporter Nate Taylor noted as “highly unusual,” especially given the timing and the lack of concrete information.

Simmons, who was picked 32nd overall in April’s draft, appeared on the injury report on Sunday afternoon due to personal reasons. He ultimately didn’t play, with reports indicating he was in California. In a recent episode of the podcast “Only Weird Games,” Taylor mentioned the oddity of the entire scenario.

As of now, specific details about Simmons’ absence remain elusive or unverified.

When questioned about a report from SiriusXM suggesting that Simmons, a San Diego native, might have left the country for a family emergency, Taylor commented, “It seems like it could be family related, but I don’t know for sure.”

Discussing the Chiefs’ approach for their upcoming Week 7 game against the Raiders, Taylor hinted that backup Jaylon Moore might step in, as he noted a conversation Monday that suggested he was preparing for a potential game. “He left at a very unusual time on Sunday, and the team doesn’t know when he’ll return.”,” Taylor added.

“The team hasn’t communicated a timeline—there’s been no word from anyone associated with the Chiefs that indicates when he might come back,” Taylor said about Simmons’ future with the team.

He also pointed out that Patrick Mahomes seemed unaware of Simmons’ absence during the Chiefs’ Sunday walkthrough, asking about his teammate only to be told by the coach, “We don’t know.”

Head coach Andy Reid opted not to comment on Simmons’ situation, merely stating that general manager Brett Veach was managing it. Taylor noted he pressed Reid for information but did not receive a satisfactory response. “It seems like Andy Reid doesn’t have the answers, which is reflected in his reluctance to discuss it,” Taylor stated.

Simmons had a collegiate career at San Diego State and Ohio State before being drafted by the Chiefs, rising to the starting position after a strong preseason by playing 95% of the snaps at left tackle in the first five games.

With Simmons sidelined, Moore is set to make his first start in 2025. “It appears that Josh Simmons left earlier than has been reported,” Taylor mentioned. “This poses challenges for the team, particularly in football terms. The timing of his departure isn’t ideal, especially given what they’re dealing with.”

On Sunday, the Chiefs secured a victory against the Lions, improving their record to 3-3.