Chiefs Growing Concerned Over LT Josh Simmons as Back Injury Takes ‘Bizarre Twist’
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The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Josh Simmons 32nd overall last year to anchor left tackle and secure Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. While the former first-rounder showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season, his long-term health is once again casting a shadow over the Chiefs’ offensive line options.
With head coach Andy Reid unable to provide a definitive recovery timeline for Simmons’ lingering back issue, team concerns have spiked. As additional medical tests are ordered, Kansas City is forced to evaluate backup options just weeks before kickoff.
Chiefs Initially Had Minimal Concern Over Josh Simmons’ Back Injury Until ‘Bizarre Twist’
Fresh concerns over Josh Simmons’ back injury have forced additional medical evaluations, casting a clear cloud of uncertainty over the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line plans. The Chiefs drafted the young tackle last year specifically to solve their long-standing blindside issues, but his immediate availability is once again in question.
According to a report by Outkick’s Bobby Burak, the current situation has gotten worse and will be evaluated soon. “Some more info on Chiefs LT Josh Simmons from a source I developed last year covering his absence: ‘Chiefs initially had minimal concern. At least one of the parties is more concerned now. He will undergo more tests to see if it’s more serious.’ Bizarre twist,” he wrote.
Simmons remains sidelined from practice, leaving Kansas City without a key protector for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes just weeks before the regular season begins.
Head coach Andy Reid has offered little clarity on a return date, refusing to commit to any concrete timeline. With backup tackle Kahlil Benson stepping up to take first-team reps, it’s obvious the coaching staff is actively preparing for worst-case scenarios. For a franchise driven by championship ambitions, lingering instability at left tackle is a risk the Chiefs simply can’t afford to ignore.
Andy Reid’s Silence Forces Chiefs to Consider Backup Options
The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t waiting around to see how this plays out. With Simmons sidelined, Kahlil Benson is already getting first-team reps at left tackle. That shift, paired with the team’sdecision to cut veteran lineman Kellen Diesch, shows just how fast this roster is evolving. Meanwhile, everyone is watching howAndy Reid manages Patrick Mahomes’ preseason workload and ensures his star quarterback stays protected.
Kansas City brought Simmons in to be their long-term fix at left tackle. His raw athleticism and physical tools gave the front office plenty of confidence that he could become a cornerstone of the line. But at this level, potential doesn’t mean much if you aren’t available to play – and right now, the Chiefs urgently need a reliable answer at the position.
The upcoming round of tests should finally bring some clarity to Simmons’ condition. Until those results come back, Kansas City will keep prepping Benson and exploring all available options. Considering Simmons has already missed over a week of practice, this evaluation carries massive weight for the team’s season preparations.
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