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Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Josh Simmons spoke for the first time after being sidelined for 22 days and missing four games.
Simmons, 22, rejoined the team two weeks ago after mysteriously leaving the team hours before the Chiefs played the Detroit Lions in Week 6. He declined to say why he left.
“I’d like to keep it in-house, with all due respect,” Simmons said at his news conference Wednesday. “I know everyone wants to know, but it’s something I want to keep inside.”
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Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) walks to the field before the start of practice during training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, on August 12, 2025. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The rookie left tackle from Ohio State opened his press conference by thanking the Chiefs for having his back during his absence.
“(It) showed how much love this team and the city has for me, and I can’t wait to give it back to them,” Simmons said.
Simmons’ first game back was in the Chiefs’ 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, and he was welcomed back into action by lining up against one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, Nik Bonitto. The 2025 first-round pick said there was a little bit of rust after the firing.
“A little bit, I think (Bonitto) is an extremely gifted player, so to go against that was a pretty welcome back, but I think with the teammates that I had during that week, they helped me up and helped brush those things off,” Simmons said.
CHIEFS’ SUPER BOWL CHAMPION LINEMAN REFUSES TO PUSH PANIC BUTTON DESPITE TEAM’S PLAYOFF BACKING.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) celebrate a touchdown carry by running back Kareem Hunt (29) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Nov. 16, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
Bonnito is third in the NFL with 9.5 sacks this season, but did not record one against the Chiefs.
Simmons said he was able to keep up with his workouts away from the team since he had access to the playbook and a gym.
“I made sure I was working out, just keeping my feet alive and making sure my nervous system was woken up,” Simmons said. “I was ready to play.”
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Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 29, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
Simmons said teammates checked up on him and communication with the team was transparent during his time away.
“When I was away from the game, I was itching to get back and fight for (my teammates).”
The Chiefs fell to 5-5 with their loss to the Broncos and are currently out of a playoff position. The team’s next game is against the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts (8-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
