Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons has returned to the team this week after taking time away to address a personal family matter. While his return brings relief to teammates and fans, questions remain about whether he will be ready to play in the upcoming game.
Simmons, a key piece of the Chiefs’ offensive line, missed several practices last week as he focused on family obligations. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed on Wednesday that Simmons is back in the building and participating in team meetings, though his game status remains “day-to-day.”
“Josh is back, and we’re supporting him 100 percent,” Reid said. “Family comes first. He’s been through a lot, and we’ll ease him back in. We’ll see how he feels physically and mentally before making any final decisions for game day.”
The Chiefs have relied heavily on Simmons this season to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. His absence was felt in last week’s matchup, as Kansas City struggled at times with pass protection and consistency on the offensive line. Having him back — even in a limited capacity — could provide a much-needed boost as the Chiefs prepare for another critical AFC matchup.
Teammates expressed their support for Simmons, emphasizing the team’s “family-first” culture. “Josh is one of us,” said Mahomes. “We’ve all got his back. He’s a huge part of what we do, but at the end of the day, life happens. We’re just glad he’s doing okay and back with the guys.”
The Chiefs organization has not disclosed details about the nature of Simmons’ family situation, respecting his privacy. However, reports indicate that the 26-year-old lineman has been in close contact with the coaching staff throughout his time away, staying mentally engaged with film study and virtual meetings.
If Simmons is unable to play this weekend, Kansas City will likely turn to veteran backup Donovan Smith, who filled in last week. Still, having Simmons back in the locker room is an emotional lift for a team focused on keeping its championship momentum alive.
As game day approaches, all eyes will be on Simmons’ availability. Whether he takes the field or not, his return to the team signals unity, resilience, and the importance of family — values that extend far beyond football.
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