Crucial Chiefs player has become a serious doubt with season nearing, making Patrick Mahomes sweat bullets
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid doesn't like what's going on at the moment.
In order for the Kansas City Chiefs to truly bounce back in 2026, just about everything has to go right. Patrick Mahomes and Rashee Rice have to be fully healthy, Travis Kelce has to turn back the clock, the team's defensive additions need to gel together.
Despite the Chiefs having plenty of question marks around the roster, head coach Andy Reid could at least hang his hat on the offensive line being one of the better units in the NFL. The interior of the o-line is stacked with talent, as are the tackle positions. But talent isn't enough sometimes.
The Chiefs are finding that out the hard way with left tackle Josh Simmons . The team's first round pick last year had a rollercoaster rookie season, which included speeding back from knee surgery to start in Week 1, taking a break from the team mid-season due to a family situation, and overall not performing overly well when on the field .
Chiefs fans growing worried about Josh Simmons' situation with the Chiefs
But given Simmons' immense talent, he's fully expected to hold down the left tackle spot this season and for years to come. The only way that can happen is if he's on the field . Right now, that isn't the case, as Simmons has been sidelined by a back injury . While reports from local beat writers suggest the Chiefs aren't concerned with Simmons' injury, it sounds like they might be concerned with how he's handling it .
According to Chase Snyder , Simmons is the one who chose to undergo further testing . While the Chiefs believe it's minor, Simmons is being cautious and taking all measures to make sure he's completely fine . Some fans noted Reid seemed a little perturbed when asked about Simmons' injury in a recent press conference.
While this is being made into a bigger deal due to Simmons' prolonged absence last season, which was considered " mysterious " at the time, the player is likely fine and should play sooner than later.
Regardless, it's not ideal for the team's young left tackle to be out of practice . He needs reps to improve and develop, especially in a season where Mahomes needs more protection than usual.
