KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After a month-long absence due to a personal matter, Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons returned to action -- and the starting lineup -- on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
On Wednesday, Simmons spoke to reporters inside the team’s practice facility at 1 Arrowhead Drive.
“First off, I want to thank the entire Kansas City -- and this club for having my (back) during the time I was away from the team,” Simmons said. “It showed how much love this team and city had for me and I can’t wait to give it back.”
Simmons declined to go into specifics on what he was dealing with during an absence that saw him miss games against the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills.
“I want to keep that in house, with all due respect,” Simmons said. “That’s just something I want to keep inside.”
During his absence, the 32nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft said he remained active and had access to a gym.
“I had access to gyms and stuff like that,” he said. “I was making sure I was working out and hitting some field work and keeping my feet alive, making sure my nervous system was woken up.”
“I was ready to play,” Simmons _s_aid of his return on Sunday, noting that he had access to plays and notes and was keeping an eye on Chiefs games while he was gone. “Communication with the team was very transparent, especially at the end.”
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The Ohio State product returned to the field and held his own against one of the best pass-rushing units in the NFL. Still, he committed a pair of penalties.
“(Denver Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto) is an extremely gifted player,” said Simmons, “so going against that was a fair welcome back, but I think with the teammates I had throughout the week they helped me up and brush that off.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also provided a positive evaluation of Simmons, who replaced backup left tackle Jaylon Moore after four games of work for the free agent signee.
“For being away for a few weeks there I thought he did a nice job,” Reid said. “Gotta clean up a couple things with the penalties, but his effort and attitude and energy was great and he was able to keep everything focused and back to the football part of it.
“He had to take care of business and he took care of it and that’s where he’s at.”
Simmons did, however, state that he “absolutely” will remain with the team for the remainder of the season when he was asked specifically about any chance of leaving again.
“I will be here for the rest of the season for the Kansas City Chiefs,” Simmons declared.
The Chiefs (5-5) and Simmons return to action Sunday at noon against the Indianapolis Colts.
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