Josh Simmons was supposed to start at left tackle against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. Two hours before kickoff, his status changed to out for non-injury-related personal reasons. So, the 22-year-old first-round pick never made it to Arrowhead Stadium.
Now he’s missed two straight games. The Chiefs shut out the Raiders 31-0 in Week 7 without their starting blindside protector. Nobody knows when Simmons will return. And head coach Andy Reid is not helping much. Instead, he wants reporters to stop asking.
Andy Reid Refuses to Address Growing Mystery Surrounding Chiefs Rookie Josh Simmons
Reid opened his Monday press conference following the Raiders’ blowout with a short statement about Simmons.
“As far as Josh goes, I don’t have any updates for you. Veach is handling everything there,” Reid said, referring to Kansas City general manager Brett Veach. “And so we just, you know, move on with that.”
Andy Reid on Josh Simmons in his opening statement: “As far as Josh goes, I don’t have any updates for you. (GM Brett) Veach is handling everything there.”
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) October 20, 2025
The 67-year-old coach’s blunt tone made it clear the subject was closed. He visibly just wants people to move on.
Andy Reid on Josh Simmons’ status: “move on”.#Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/Ja7IRgqnMr
— ESPN Wichita 92.3 (@ESPNWichita) October 20, 2025
He had taken the same stance before the Raiders game. “As far as the Josh Simmons situation goes, I’m not going to comment on it today,” Reid told reporters Wednesday. “Veach is handling everything there. We’ll leave it at that.”
The Chiefs haven’t placed Simmons on the Non-Football Injury list, which would require him to miss at least four games. That decision signals that the team expects him back sooner rather than later, or they’re holding out hope the situation resolves quickly.
ESPN’s Nate Taylor described the situation as “extremely serious” and “a family matter” during a Thursday appearance on 96.5.
Patrick Mahomes also told reporters Wednesday that he didn’t know Simmons would miss the game until Sunday afternoon. Pat added that he’s “praying” for Simmons but kept their conversations “private.”
Not surprisingly, the lack of transparency frustrates fans, though they couldn’t help the rookie. The organization won’t budge on privacy. Whatever Simmons is dealing with, the team is protecting their young tackle.
Fans Show Concern After Andy Reid’s Comments
Chiefs Kingdom rallied around Simmons after Reid’s Monday media availability. Fans flooded YouTube comments with plenty of prayers and support.
One fan wrote, “We are all thinking of you Josh Simmons whatever it is your kingdom is here for you brother ❤”
Another added, “Prayers going up for , Josh Simmons whatever it is Lord, watch over him and his family🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾♥️”
The third noted, “I’m so worried about Josh Simmons I hope everything will be okay soon”
A fourth remarked, “Will cont prayers for Josh and his family…may God bring what is necessary for the situation.”
A fifth claimed, “Respect to Coach Reid and Patrick keeping the mouth shut about Josh. When he comes back maybe he will maybe he won’t. However thoughts and prayers for him. Let’s Go CHIEFS knock the Raiders out.”
However, it is hard to keep everyone on the same page, so not everyone appreciated the secrecy.
A sixth concerned fan asked, “I understand that privacy is important, but by not giving any clarity as to the nature of his absence, it gives fans and the media room to speculate.”
Kansas City faces the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. Will Simmons return for that game? Reid never said that. The mystery is just getting deeper with each passing day. The Chiefs will welcome Simmons back whenever he’s ready. Until then, we can watch the franchise keep its business private.
