A Timeline of Josh Simmons’ Absence from the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their offensive line during the 2025 NFL draft when they selected left tackle Josh Simmons in the first round, and the Ohio State product immediately made an impact while starting the opening five games.

However, he missed the most recent win over the Detroit Lions and remains away from the team leading into Sunday’s AFC West showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Here is a look at a timeline of how the left tackle’s absence reached this point.

Oct. 6: Late Addition to Injury Report Before Jaguars Game

The Chiefs added Simmons to their injury report just hours before their Monday Night Football kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 and listed him as questionable because of an illness.

He ended up playing the game, which Kansas City lost 31-28.

▶️ Full Chiefs-Jaguars Recap

Oct. 12: Added to Injury Report Before Lions Game

The Chiefs announced the day of their Week 6 game against the Lions that Simmons was added to the injury report and questionable, noting it was “Not Injury Related—Personal.”

Oct. 12: Simmons Reportedly Out for Family Issue

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Simmons was added to the injury report because he was “dealing with a family matter back home in California.”

They added it was “doubtful he’s back for the game.”

Oct. 12: Misses Lions Game

Simmons did not play in the game against Detroit, which Kansas City won 30-17. Jaylon Moore played in his place.

▶️ Full Lions-Chiefs Recap

Oct. 15: Simmons Misses Practice

Simmons missed practice Wednesday for what was officially listed as personal reasons on the injury report.

Oct. 15: Andy Reid Deflects Questions

Head coach Andy Reid told reporters he was deferring questions about Simmons’ status and letting general manager Brett Veach handle the situation. 

Oct. 15: Patrick Mahomes Comments

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters, “I’ll keep conversations kind of between us. But I’m always praying for him. I’m praying for all my teammates, so I’m always praying for him. I’ll just keep everything else kind of private to us.”

Oct. 17: Simmons Ruled Out vs. Raiders

The Chiefs announced Friday that Simmons will not play in Sunday’s AFC West rivalry game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

On the Chiefs’ injury report, Simmons was listed as a non-participant in practice throughout the week due to “not injury related – personal.”

Moore is in line to make his second straight start for the Chiefs at left tackle.

Oct. 24: Simmons Reportedly Expected to Return in ‘Few Weeks’

According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, Simmons is “expected to rejoin the team in a few weeks.” Simmons was ruled out against the Washington Commanders.

Taylor noted in his report that “A logical time for Simmons to return to the Chiefs could be in early November, during the team’s bye week.”

The Chiefs are scheduled to face the Commanders on Monday before a Week 9 road matchup against the Buffalo Bills and a Week 10 bye.