It was only 11 snaps, but left tackle Josh Simmons wasn’t overwhelmed by his first NFL experience, especially after weeks of training camp going against some of the league’s top defensive linemen.
“We train really hard,” Simmons said. “I go against Chris Jones and George Karlaftis every day ... It’s just about adjusting to what they’ll bring.”
Simmons was in the starting lineup in the Chiefs’ 20-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason-opening game on Saturday. Things went well for his group in their two series.
A short field led to an opening-possession touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes. The second drive, led by backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, produced a pair of first downs. That was it for Simmons and the starting offensive line.
Simmons has been a major storyline since the Chiefs selected him in the first round of the NFL Draft in April, 32nd overall.
Left tackle was a revolving door throughout last season and the Chiefs made a pre-draft upgrade by signing free agent Jaylon Moore from the San Francisco 49ers.
But they weren’t finished.
In the draft, Simmons loomed as a first-round pick, but his stock was hurt by the torn patellar tendon he suffered in Ohio State’s sixth game last season. Most teams backed off because of the injury.
Not the Chiefs, who were delighted to find one of top tackle prospects still on the board when it was their turn to make a selection.
Simmons became a rehab workhorse and took first-team reps throughout training camp, impressing with his work ethic and footwork.
“You have to soak everything like a sponge,” Simmons said. “I’ve tried to keep my ears as open as possible.”
Moore opened the second series of Saturday’s game at right tackle and remained in the contest longer.
But Chiefs head coach Andy Reid used his own measure of judgment in evaluating Simmons.
“I wasn’t screaming at him, so I figured he did OK,” Reid said. “He looked like he had a solid day, especially for his first day.
“He’s been working his tail off. That kid never complains about anything. He just goes.”