Oct 30, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid at press conference at Allianz Park in preparation of the NFL International Series game against the Detroit Lions. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Reid Addresses Growing Concern Over Chiefs' Key Injury in Preseason Finale 1
August 29, 2026 NFL, Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid met with reporters after his team closed the preseason with a 9-9 tie against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday night. The result followed a rocky loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just a week earlier.
Reid fielded several injury questions, but one situation involving a key starter has quietly grown into the Chiefs’ most pressing storyline heading into final roster cuts.
Andy Reid Offers Cautious Optimism On Josh Simmons’ Back Injury
Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ starting left tackle, first missed practice with a back issue during training camp more than a week ago. At the time, the absence appeared minor. That changed when Simmons was sidelined again, working through third-team reps before eventually sitting out entirely as the team sought a second medical opinion.
By Wednesday’s press conference, Reid confirmed Simmons would not suit up for the preseason finale, opening the door for rookie Kahlil Benson to get extended snaps at left tackle. Reid did not offer a firm timeline, saying only that the team wanted to give the injury time to heal.
Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid, NFLKansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid, NFL
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Speaking again after Friday’s tie with Seattle, “It’s going to take a little bit of time here, but he’s a hard worker when it comes to these types of things,” Reid told reporters. “It’s just a matter of eliminating some of the pain that he has and making sure he has enough strength there.”
The update stopped short of a firm return date, but it signaled progress after weeks of uncertainty. Simmons protects the blindside of a passing attack built around a healthy Patrick Mahomes, making his recovery one of the more consequential storylines of Chiefs training camp.
Other Injuries Andy Reid Addressed As Roster Cuts Approach
Simmons wasn’t the only banged-up starter on Reid’s radar Friday. Cornerback Melvin Smith Jr. left the game early after landing awkwardly and was taken to the medical tent before being ruled out with a rib injury, a tough break for a rookie competing for one of two open roster spots at his position.
Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn ImagesNov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Running back Emari Demercado also went down after an awkward hit from two Seahawks defenders, while undrafted rookie E.J. Smith, son of Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, limped off grabbing his knee late in the fourth quarter.
Reid did not provide his usual postgame injury rundown, leaving both situations without an official update as Kansas City finalizes its 53-man roster this weekend. With cuts looming and depth already thin up front, the Chiefs’ next real test arrives fast.
With preseason play now complete, the Chiefs turn their focus to final roster trimming before Week 1. Kansas City opens its regular season against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, September 10, with Simmons’ status still unresolved.