Why Is Josh Simmons Not Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs Right Now?

Understanding the Current Status of Josh Simmons and His Back Injury

The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2026 season with high expectations for their offensive line, yet the absence of Josh Simmons has created a significant void at the left tackle position. Simmons, who was expected to anchor the blindside, has been unavailable for Week 1 and Week 2, leading to questions about the severity of his condition. The situation is particularly frustrating for fans who saw him win the starting job outright during the early stages of training camp.

The Disconnect Between Precautionary Labels and Reality

In early August 2026, the Chiefs' coaching staff initially described Simmons' absence as "precautionary." The narrative suggested that the team was simply managing his workload to ensure he was fresh for the regular season. However, as the weeks progressed and Simmons remained in street clothes, the "minor" label began to lose credibility. According to reports tracked by the Chiefs community injury trackers , the issue has now persisted for over a month without a clear return date.

Seeking a Second Opinion for Persistent Spinal Stress

The complexity of the situation increased when news broke that Simmons sought a second opinion on his back in late August. In the world of professional sports, a second opinion often indicates that the initial treatment plan is not yielding the expected results or that the player and the team are not aligned on the diagnosis. For an offensive lineman of Simmons' size (310+ lbs), back issues are rarely simple. The torque required to hold off NFL edge rushers places immense strain on the lumbar region, and any lingering inflammation can be debilitating.

Examining the Controversy Surrounding Josh Simmons and the Chiefs

Beyond the physical injury, a cloud of speculation has formed regarding Simmons' relationship with the organization. While injuries are a standard part of the NFL, the specific circumstances surrounding Simmons' absence have led some insiders to suggest that there is more to the story than a simple medical recovery.

Reports of Uncertainty During Monday Night Football

One of the most discussed incidents occurred during the preseason warm-ups for a Monday Night Football game against the Jaguars. Reports surfaced that Simmons expressed significant uncertainty about his ability to play just minutes before kickoff. Shortly after this exchange, he reportedly left the city, an unusual move for a player under active team supervision. While Heavy.com and other outlets have highlighted these reports, the Chiefs' official stance remains supportive, with Head Coach Andy Reid emphasizing the rehab process.

The History of Absences for Personal Reasons

This is not the first time Simmons has been away from the team for non-injury reasons. During his rookie season in 2025, he missed a four-game stretch (Weeks 6–9) due to "personal reasons involving his family." While the team was supportive at the time, the recurrence of absences—whether for health or personal reasons—has led analysts like Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report to label Simmons as a player with the "most to prove" in 2026. The narrative is shifting from his high draft pedigree to his reliability as a franchise cornerstone.

The Journey from Ohio State to the NFL Draft First Round

To understand why the Chiefs are so invested in Simmons, one must look at his trajectory as a prospect. He is widely regarded as a high-ceiling talent who dominated at the collegiate level, particularly during his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Strategic Value of the Draft Day Trade with the Eagles

The Chiefs' commitment to Simmons was evident from the moment they drafted him. In the 2025 NFL Draft, Kansas City made a calculated move, trading down just one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. This maneuver allowed the Chiefs to select Simmons at 32nd overall while picking up an additional 5th-round selection (pick 164). This trade demonstrated that the front office viewed Simmons as a first-round talent who could be acquired while still maximizing draft capital.

Transitioning from San Diego State to a National Championship

Simmons' path to the NFL was not linear. He began his career at San Diego State, where he logged nearly 800 snaps as a freshman, showing early signs of his durability and technical prowess. His transfer to Ohio State elevated his profile significantly. As a key member of the 2024 CFP National Championship team, he earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors and proved he could compete against the elite defensive ends of the conference. His Wikipedia profile notes his athletic lineage, being the son of former MLB player Nelson Simmons and the nephew of former NFL fullback Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala.

Analyzing the Physical Profile and Performance of Josh Simmons

When Simmons is on the field, his physical traits are undeniably impressive. However, scouts have long debated whether his specific dimensions are ideal for a long-term career at left tackle.

Metric	Josh Simmons	NFL Average (LT)	Percentile
Height	6'5"	6'5"	Average
Weight	317 lbs	312 lbs	Above Average
Arm Length	33"	34.2"	Low
Bench Press	33 Reps	25 Reps	Elite

The Technical Impact of the Arm Length Debate

The most significant point of contention among scouts is Simmons' 33-inch arm length. In the NFL, left tackles typically prefer arms longer than 34 inches to keep speed rushers at bay. Critics argue that shorter arms make it easier for defenders to get inside his chest and control the rep. However, proponents of Simmons point to his elite functional strength—evidenced by his 33 reps on the bench press—as a way to compensate for the lack of reach. When he latches onto a defender, his "upper body power" is often enough to neutralize the threat.

Functional Strength and Upper Body Power Metrics

Film analysts, such as those at MNChiefsFan , have noted that in his limited preseason snaps, Simmons showed "smooth and fast movement." His ability to transition from his stance to his kick-slide is among the top in his draft class. The disconnect lies between his PFF grades, which are currently inconclusive due to a lack of snaps, and the "All-Pro upside" that coaches see in his technical execution when healthy.

The Medical History of Josh Simmons Since 2024

Simmons' current back issue does not exist in a vacuum. It is the latest in a series of significant physical setbacks that have hampered his development over the last three years.

• October 2024: Patellar Tendon Tear
  While playing for Ohio State against Oregon, Simmons suffered a severe knee injury. Initially feared to be an ACL tear, it was confirmed as a patellar tendon rupture, ending his college season and impacting his early NFL mobility.
• November 2025: Wrist Fracture
  During a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Simmons sustained a dislocated and fractured wrist. This injury led to his placement on Injured Reserve (IR) in December 2025, cutting his rookie season short.
• August 2026: Persistent Back Injury
  The current setback involving his back has prevented him from participating in the 2026 season opener. Analysts suggest this could be a "compensatory injury," where the body overcorrects for previous knee and wrist issues, leading to spinal stress.

Recovering from the Patellar Tendon Tear

The patellar tendon is crucial for an offensive lineman's "anchor"—the ability to stop a bull rush dead in its tracks. Recovering from a rupture requires intense physical therapy to regain explosive power. If Simmons' lower body was not at 100% strength, he may have been using his back to generate power during training camp, a common pitfall that leads to the type of persistent strain he is currently facing.

The Impact of the 2025 Wrist Fracture

A fractured wrist for a tackle is more than just a pain issue; it affects the ability to "punch" and maintain a grip on the defender's jersey. Coming off the IR stint in late 2025, Simmons had to rebuild the fine motor skills and grip strength necessary for elite pass protection. The accumulation of these injuries has made it difficult for him to find a consistent rhythm in the NFL.

What the Future Holds for the Chiefs Left Tackle

The Chiefs are currently in a "wait and see" mode, but the NFL is a business that moves quickly. The longer Simmons remains out, the more the team must look at alternative solutions to protect their franchise quarterback.

The Rise of Kahlil Benson and Roster Pressure

One of the most significant developments during Simmons' absence has been the emergence of Kahlil Benson. An undrafted free agent who has impressed the coaching staff with his consistency and availability, Benson is currently taking the snaps that were intended for Simmons. If Benson continues to perform at a high level, the Chiefs may find themselves in a position where Simmons has to compete to regain his starting role, regardless of his first-round status.

Contract Implications and the Most to Prove Narrative

Simmons is still on his rookie contract, which provides the Chiefs with some financial flexibility. However, the "availability is the best ability" mantra rings loud in Kansas City. If Simmons cannot stay on the field for the remainder of 2026, the team may be forced to look toward the 2027 draft or free agency for a more reliable long-term solution. As noted by ESPN's player profile , his talent is unquestioned, but his durability remains the primary hurdle to his success.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Josh Simmons return to the Chiefs lineup?

There is currently no firm timeline for Josh Simmons' return. Because he sought a second opinion in late August 2026, the team is likely taking a cautious approach to ensure his back injury does not become a chronic issue. His return will depend on his ability to complete a full week of practice without a setback.

What is the specific nature of Josh Simmons' back injury?

The Chiefs have not disclosed the specific medical diagnosis, but it has been described as a persistent issue that began late in training camp. Given his history of lower-body injuries, analysts speculate it could be a compensatory strain related to his previous patellar tendon recovery.

Was Josh Simmons a first-round pick?

Yes, Josh Simmons was selected 32nd overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Chiefs traded down one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles to secure him, a move that also netted them an additional fifth-round pick.

Is Josh Simmons related to Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala?

Yes, Josh Simmons is the nephew of former NFL fullback Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala. He comes from a strong athletic background; his father, Nelson Simmons, was also a professional baseball player in Major League Baseball.

Who is the starting Left Tackle for the Chiefs if Simmons is out?

While Simmons is sidelined, the Chiefs have utilized a rotation that includes undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson. Benson has earned praise from the coaching staff for his performance during the early weeks of the 2026 season.