Chiefs OC Matt Nagy praised rookie Josh Simmons' athletic college film and commended his professional rehab, highlighting his strong developmental environment with the O-line coaches. By Tammy Ljungblad| Tammy Ljungblad
Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons continues to exceed expectations in his return from a knee injury while also hitting a milestone Wednesday.
During the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practice open to reporters, KC’s 2025 first-round pick Simmons rotated into team drills while going against a live defense.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid was hopeful that the development would take place this week or next during OTAs. Previously, Simmons had only been participating in individual drills during practices.
It’s a big moment considering how far Simmons has come.
The Ohio State product had surgery in October after suffering a non-contact patellar injury. When the Chiefs initially drafted Simmons with the 32nd pick in April, they didn’t anticipate he’d rotate into team drills this soon.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid, speaking to reporters last week, called it a “positive” that Simmons could potentially be ready to face a defense at this stage.
“We weren’t expecting to be able to do that,” Reid said on May 29.
It’s just the latest indication that Simmons’ rehab recovery remains ahead of schedule. Offensive line coach Andy Heck later reported that Simmons came out “really well” following Wednesday’s additional practice work.
“First thing you can see is his explosive nature. I mean, everything he does is super-quick, so we’re working on fine-tuning techniques,” Heck said. “He’s able to do individual work within certain limits. So as we hone in on the techniques, we don’t want to take away from his athleticism. That’s one of his A-plus strengths.”
Both Heck and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy had extensive praise for Simmons during interviews on Wednesday.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons (71) goes through drills during practice on June 4, 2025. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Nagy described Simmons’ college film as “phenomenal,” while saying he appreciated not only his athleticism but also his ability to recover if he does get beaten.
The Chiefs, Nagy said, have also seen a different side from Simmons since getting him to KC.
“I’ve really been impressed with his professionalism since he’s been in this building. He’s really locked in,” Nagy said. “He’s doing everything he can do, up to what he’s allowed to do with the injury.”
Nagy also believes Simmons has an overall environment, which includes his O-line teammates along with Heck and assistant offensive line coach Corey Matthaei, that should allow him to learn at a quick pace.
“He’s in a great spot,” Nagy said. “And I think we’ve just got to keep him going, arrow up.”
Heck, meanwhile, said he “definitely saw Josh as a first-round talent” when first evaluating him this spring. The team understood that the first objective, once drafting him, would be to get him healthy with trainer Rick Burkholder.
“He’s been doing a phenomenal job working with those guys, and then little by little, he’s been doing more and more with us out on the field,” Heck said. “So it was nice today. We were able to get him a few reps.”
Simmons is set to compete with Jaylon Moore for the team’s starting left-tackle spot in training camp. Moore was one of KC’s top signings this offseason, agreeing to a two-year, $30 million contract on the first day of free agency.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said last week he was pleased with Simmons’ recovery work, saying he’d seen him often in the team’s training room in recent weeks.
“He looks great. He’s moving well,” Mahomes said last week. “He’s doing all the right things, and he’s working extremely hard.”