Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons’ absence remains a mystery

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Josh Simmons was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and was considered a key part of the team’s offense moving forward.

The former Ohio State standout has played in five games this season, but has missed the last two under mysterious circumstances. Simmons was listed on the injury report last week as missing practice due to personal reasons. He was not on the injury report prior to the team’s game against the Detroit Lions.

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Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters he had no updates on Simmons. He said general manager Brett Veach handled things in Simmons’ regard and “we’re just moving forward with it.”

Team owner Clark Hunt was asked about Simmons during the NFL’s fall meeting.

“I really can’t comment,” he told ESPN.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suggested Simmons was dealing with a serious problem. A separate report indicated that he returned home to attend to a family matter.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid before the game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)

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“I want to have some kind of conversations between us,” Mahomes said, via the New York Post . “But I always pray for him. I pray for all my teammates, so I always pray for him. I just want to keep everything else kind of private for us.”

The Chiefs looked to be more cohesive on offense in the last two weeks with big wins over the Lions and Las Vegas Raiders.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Jaylon Moore has since slid into Simmons’ place.