Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons has now missed two straight games due to what the club has described as a personal matter.
Head coach Andy Reid offered a bit more insight into the rookie’s situation on Thursday.
“My update for you with Josh would just be there’s communication,” Reid said of the 2025 first-round NFL Draft pick. “I’m not going to get into all of it. Everything’s positive. It’s not a negative situation. He’s taking care of family.”
Simmons was expected to play in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions but was ruled out, listed with the same “personal” designation. Veteran offseason free-agent addition Jaylon Moore took his place, starting ably for the Chiefs in victories over the Lions and, in last Sunday’s Week 7 matchup, the Las Vegas Raiders.
“He’s done a great job,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said of Moore. “He’s been ready. He comes to work every day — true pro.
“He comes to work with the mentality of being ready for that next snap. He’s done it all throughout training camp and now he’s done it in the regular season and that’s the reason he’s here.”
Simmons wasn’t the only starting offensive lineman absent from practice Thursday. Reid said right guard Trey Smith would miss the day’s session due to back spasms.
“We’ve always looked at (backup) Mike (Caliendo) as a starter,” Reid said. “All the guys do. Coaches do, so everybody’s got confidence when he comes in, you just pick up and go. That’s how I feel about him. I’m just speaking for the gang here.”
Asked about a timeline for Simmons’ return, Reid simply reiterated that the communication between Simmons and the team has remained positive.
“He’s taking care of business,” Reid said. “That’s the main thing right here. When you deal with this, that’s what you do — and he’s been very good about communicating it.”
It remains unclear whether Simmons will be available for Kansas City’s “Monday Night Football” Week 8 game against the Washington Commanders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.