Kansas City Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons was absent from Wednesday’s practice after missing Week 6, leaving the team and fans without clarity regarding his status.
Simmons, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had been listed as questionable on the injury report due to a personal reason. Beyond that designation, the team has provided minimal information.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the matter briefly during Wednesday’s media session but declined to offer specifics.
“As far as the Josh Simmons situation goes, I’m not going to comment on it today,” Reid confirmed.
“[General Manager] Brett [Veach] is handling everything there – and we’ll leave it at that.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also offered his take and lended support while maintaining confidentiality: “I’m praying for him,” Mahomes said.
What has happened to Josh Simmons?
Reports from local media indicate Simmons’ absence is highly unusual for a rookie of his standing.
Nate Taylor, an ESPN Kansas City beat reporter, noted that the timing of Simmons’ departure is not typical. According to Taylor, Simmons traveled to California on Sunday, prompting his absence in Week 6.
While there is speculation that the reason may involve family matters, this has not been confirmed.
“It appears it could be family-related, but I don’t know that definitively,” Taylor commented. “It was extremely unusual that he left at that time.
“I’m not sure when he’s coming back. No one associated with the Kansas City Chiefs has said to me, ‘Oh, he’ll be back Thursday or he’ll be back Friday or we anticipate him to be back at a certain point in time.'”
Impact on the Chiefs’ roster
Simmons’ absence affects Kansas City’s roster depth, particularly given the expectations for a first-round pick.
The rookie was projected to contribute immediately, and missing consecutive weeks presents challenges for both the offensive and defensive game planning, depending on his position and role.
The team has chosen to prioritize Simmons’ personal matters while managing lineup adjustments internally.
The Chiefs are handling the situation through Veach, signaling an organizational focus on discretion and player wellbeing.
The approach indicates that Simmons’ health and personal circumstances take precedence over immediate roster considerations.
Despite the uncertainty, Simmons’ teammates and coaches have expressed support while limiting public discussion. Reid and Mahomes‘ statements reflect a consistent message from the organization: maintaining respect for the player’s privacy.
The absence of clarity on Simmons’ return underscores the challenges teams face when personal or family matters arise unexpectedly. It also highlights the need for contingency planning within NFL rosters, particularly when high-profile rookies are involved.
As the season progresses, the Chiefs must adjust their strategies for upcoming games without a timeline for Simmons’ availability.
The situation remains fluid, with both team management and coaching staff monitoring developments. The organization has emphasized patience and support, indicating that Simmons’ wellbeing is the immediate priority.
For now, the NFL and Chiefs community will continue to observe Simmons’ status closely, with anticipation for updates on his return to practice and game action.
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