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You’ve seen the headlines, but the vibe around the Kingdom lately has been one of genuine confusion. When the Kansas City Chiefs grabbed Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons with the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, everyone knew they were getting a specimen. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, he was the guy tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. For the first five weeks, he basically looked like a seasoned vet, allowing only one sack and 12 pressures. Then, he vanished.
The Kansas City Chiefs Josh Simmons absence became the talk of every sports bar from Power & Light to Overland Park. One minute he’s stonewalling pass rushers, the next he’s a "DNP - Personal Matter."
Why the Sudden Disappearance?
Honestly, the NFL is usually a place where everyone knows everything, but the Chiefs played this one remarkably close to the vest. Around Week 6, just before a high-stakes game against the Detroit Lions, Simmons left the team. Andy Reid, in his classic "Big Red" fashion, was short on details. He cited a "family matter" and didn't offer a return date.
It wasn't a suspension. It wasn't a holdout. It was just... empty space on the roster.
For nearly a month, fans were left wondering if the rookie was ever coming back. Rumors swirled on Reddit and Twitter—everything from family illnesses to burnout—but the team stood by him. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce both went on the record saying they were keeping him in their thoughts, which signaled that whatever was going on was heavy. You don't get that kind of public support from the captains unless it's serious.
The Short-Lived Return and the Thanksgiving Heartbreak
Simmons finally resurfaced in early November, right around the team's bye week. He worked his way back into the rotation, and it looked like the Kansas City Chiefs Josh Simmons absence was finally a thing of the past. He played in several games, including a tight win over Indy and a tough loss in Denver.
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Then came the Dallas game on Thanksgiving.
It was supposed to be a showcase. Instead, it turned into a nightmare. Simmons went down with what looked like a nasty arm injury. It was later confirmed as a dislocated and fractured wrist. Surgery followed immediately, and just like that, the rookie was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) on December 3, 2025.
- Week 6-9: Out for personal/family reasons.
- Week 10-12: Returned to limited/full action.
- Week 13: Suffered season-ending wrist injury.
Basically, his rookie year was a roller coaster of "is he here or not?"
Dealing With the Patellar Tendon History
We can't talk about his current absence without mentioning the baggage he brought from Columbus. Simmons tore his patellar tendon while playing for the Buckeyes in October 2024. That's a brutal injury for a big man. Most scouts thought he’d fall out of the first round because of it.
But the Chiefs saw the tape. Before the injury at Ohio State, he hadn't allowed a single sack in 152 pass-blocking snaps during the 2024 season. He was a wall.
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The Chiefs’ medical staff worked overtime to get him ready for the 2025 training camp. He missed rookie minicamp and was limited in OTAs, but by the time August rolled around, he was the Day 1 starter. It makes the recent Kansas City Chiefs Josh Simmons absence even more frustrating for the front office—they spent so much capital and medical effort to get him on the field, only for "life" and a freak wrist fracture to derail the season.
How the Chiefs Moved On
While Simmons was away, Jaylon Moore stepped into the gap. Moore, a former San Francisco backup, wasn't perfect. He actually had to jump into the lineup against Detroit just hours after his wife gave birth. Talk about a stressful day at the office.
The offensive line performance definitely dipped. According to Pro Football Focus, the pressure rate on Mahomes jumped by nearly 8% during the weeks Simmons was sidelined. It turns out, having a first-round talent at left tackle actually matters.
Even with Moore doing a "respectable job," as Reid put it, the absence of Simmons forced the Chiefs to change their offensive identity. They had to rely more on quick releases and chipping with tight ends because they couldn't trust the edge to hold for five seconds.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The good news? The wrist surgery was successful. Andy Reid mentioned that Simmons is "upbeat" and already attacking his rehab. Since it’s a bone and ligament issue in his arm rather than another leg injury, his mobility should stay intact.
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For the 2026 season, the projected line looks solid if everyone stays healthy:
- LT: Josh Simmons (returning from IR)
- LG: Kingsley Suamataia
- C: Creed Humphrey
- RG: Trey Smith (if he re-signs)
- RT: Jaylon Moore or Jawaan Taylor
The "absence" taught the Chiefs one thing: they are vulnerable at the tackle position. They can't just assume a rookie will be there for 17 games. Expect them to look for veteran depth this offseason, just in case life or luck intervenes again.
What You Should Watch For
Keep an eye on the team's voluntary workouts in the spring. If Simmons is a full participant, it means the wrist is fine and the family matters that caused his early-season departure are settled. The Chiefs showed a lot of "class and grace," as some insiders put it, by letting him handle his business without a media circus. That kind of culture usually builds loyalty.
If you're following the roster moves, watch if the Chiefs pursue another offensive tackle in the mid-rounds of the 2026 draft. That will tell you everything you need to know about their confidence in Simmons' long-term availability.
To track his progress, follow the official Chiefs injury reports and beat writers like Matt McMullen, who usually gets the first word on rehab milestones. Transitioning from a season-ending injury back to a starting role is never easy, but Simmons has already proven he can beat the odds once with his knee. Now, he just has to do it again with his wrist.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the official Kansas City Chiefs transaction wire in late February for any updates on his IR status.
- Monitor the NFL Scouting Combine reports to see if the Chiefs are heavily scouting "swing tackles" as insurance.
- Stay tuned to Andy Reid's pre-draft press conferences for specific mentions of Simmons' "participation level" in the upcoming offseason program.