Organized team activities kicked off this week at One Arrowhead Drive, offering a first glimpse of the Kansas City Chiefs as they regroup for the 2025 NFL season.
On Thursday, head coach Andy Reid fielded questions following the third day of voluntary workouts.
Although Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce drew the headlines by arriving in full swing, Reid offered an update on offensive tackle Josh Simmons, noting, "He’s actually further ahead than I thought he was," per Sports Radio 810 WHB.
Selected with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Simmons arrives in Kansas City after a standout collegiate career at Ohio State and previously San Diego State.
A 6-foot-5, 310-pound left tackle, Simmons' path included a solid freshman season with the Aztecs (799 snaps in 2022) before transferring to Columbus in 2023.
After earning the starting left tackle role ahead of the 2023 college football season, Simmons played in every game for the Buckeyes that year, marking 26 consecutive starts between San Diego State and Ohio State from 2022-23.
In 2024, Simmons again locked down the blind side before a torn patellar tendon suffered against Oregon in October 2024 sidelined him for the remainder of his final collegiate season.
Despite playing in just six games, Simmons still earned third-team All-Big Ten honors.
Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons
Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Reid’s remark that Simmons is further along than expected signals a potentially accelerated rehabilitation, positioning the rookie to compete for the starting left tackle job as early as training camp.
If Simmons truly is ahead of schedule, the Chiefs may mitigate the vulnerabilities that defined their Super Bowl LIX loss, setting the stage for another deep playoff run in January 2026.