Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons says he’s getting plenty of help while trying to acclimate to his new team.
And, during Tuesday’s first day of mandatory minicamp, that included an assist from a former player, as well.
Mitchell Schwartz, who started for the Chiefs at right tackle from 2016-20, attended Tuesday’s drills at the team practice facility, supporting Simmons when he got the chance.
Simmons said being around Schwartz had helped him “a lot.”
“He’ll give me tips and tricks on what to do on this play, or what (quarterback) Pat (Mahomes) might do on this play that can set me up for a different angle on this play,” Simmons said Tuesday after practice. “So definitely good help.”
Simmons, whom the Chiefs selected in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, is receiving other additional instruction, too.
That has come from Andy Reid, with Simmons saying his head coach talks to him every day either during or after practice. Simmons said working with both Reid and Schwartz had contributed to “a really good support system for me.”
Simmons continued to participate in team workouts during Tuesday’s practice, an additional sign he’s ahead of schedule following knee surgery last year.
When asked about Simmons last week, Reid spoke glowingly, saying that he “looks strong.”
“You can definitely see the talent,” Reid said on June 12. “He’s got to keep learning, and learning stuff that Andy (Heck, offensive line coach) is teaching him, fundamentally, technique-wise. But he sure has a good attitude.”
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder, during an interview broadcast to fans who attended Tuesday’s practice, said he had been impressed by Simmons’ work ethic. Burkholder said that Simmons typically was one of the first Chiefs to enter the facility and one of the last to leave while attempting to get his knee to full strength.
“Just trying to be as available as I can right now,” Simmons said, “whether it’s two-a-days, three-a-days, rehab sessions.”
Simmons said being at this point with his recovery was about what he anticipated — and also what he’d worked toward. He cited undergoing knee surgery “by the platinum standard,” which involved hiring the well-known sports orthopedic surgeon Neal ElAttrache.
“I was already feeling good about that (surgery) straight off the table,” Simmons said. “And then I have the best in the business here in Arrowhead Drive for rehab.”
If things continue progressing like this, it’ll set up an interesting position battle in training camp next month.
Simmons and free-agent signing Jaylon Moore are the top candidates for the team’s left-tackle spot. Moore, who participated in Tuesday’s practice but didn’t take part in team reps, signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Chiefs this offseason.
For Simmons, the road back to full strength continues to be a daily process. And it also requires confidence that the Chiefs will bring him back at the right pace to ensure he heals properly.
“This time last year, I was anticipating going a lot harder. But everything happens for a reason,” Simmons said. “I trust the staff around me, the players around me. So I just do what I can.”