The Kansas City Chiefs are ready to turn the page as the second half of the NFL season begins, and they’re getting a major boost on the offensive line.
Josh Simmons’ Return a Huge Boost for the Chiefs
josh simmons update
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; 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. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, the team’s first-round pick in April, has returned to the facility after a month-long absence for personal reasons. Simmons, who left the team on October 12, rejoined the squad during last week’s bye and is in line to play in Sunday’s crucial AFC West road matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Head coach Andy Reidsaid the next few days of practice will determine how quickly Simmons can reintegrate into the starting lineup.
“I think what we’ll do is just see where we’re at here,” Reid said Monday. “We know we’ve got a good player in there now (in Jaylon Moore), and we know what Josh is capable of. So we’ll just see where we’re at when they get back.”
Impressive at the Start of the Season
Simmons was impressive early in the season after winning the left tackle job during training camp. His combination of athleticism and composure drew praise from coaches and front-office staff, who lauded his competitiveness and ability to bounce back from mistakes.
That promising start was cut short when Simmons appeared on the team’s injury report for “personal” reasons before the October 12 game against the Detroit Lions. He missed four games while away, with Reid later clarifying that the rookie was “taking care of family” during his absence.
Reid commended the way both Simmons and his teammates handled the situation.
“Players are always concerned about other players’ well-being, that’s first of all,” Reid said. “But on the other hand, they also move forward. They don’t necessarily look back. They giddy up and go 100 miles an hour with what’s there today,” said the veteran coach.
Simmons’ return comes at a vital time. The Chiefs, sitting 5-4, trail the Broncos by two and a half games in the division. According to The Athletic’s playoff simulator, a win in Denver would raise Kansas City’s chances of winning the AFC West to 38 percent, while a loss would drop those odds to just 7 percent.
The Broncos also present one of the league’s toughest defensive challenges, leading the NFL with 46 sacks, well ahead of Pittsburgh and Seattle (32 each).
Jaylon Moore Stepped in
While Jaylon Moore, a free-agent acquisition, has held his own in Simmons’ absence, earning a 69.0 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 31st among 82 tackles**,**Reid acknowledged that the rookie’s ceiling is higher.
“Jaylon’s done a nice job for us,” Reid said. “It’s tough to jump in after the season’s already rolling, especially against the defensive lines we’ve played. But he’s done a respectable job.”
Reid declined to say whether Simmons would start Sunday but said he’s confident the rookie has stayed in shape.
“I know he’s been working out for sure,” Reid said.
The Chiefs closed their 2024 season with a 38-0 loss to the Denver Broncos, but still finished 15-2, marking the winningest season in franchise history.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images