Chiefs OT Josh Simmons Placed on IR After Meeting Dispute with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes

I hope this isn’t asked to me every week, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said during a Friday press conference, expressing frustration over persistent inquiries regarding offensive tackle Josh Simmons.

Simmons was placed on injured reserve due to a bulging, herniated disk in his lower back, according to reports. The transaction guarantees that the second-year offensive tackle will miss a minimum of four games as he rehabilitates the injury.

Meeting Room Disruption Precedes Injured Reserve Placement

Days before his placement on injured reserve, Simmons was told to leave a team meeting by Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, according to multiple sources cited by ESPN. Sources reported that Simmons pushed back, stating his back and hips were aching from the condition.

As the exchange continued and disrupted the session, Mahomes told Simmons to leave the room and get treatment. Simmons departed the room, remained in the building, and later apologized to Reid and team leadership, acknowledging he could have handled the situation differently, according to ESPN. The Chiefs’ injury report for that day listed Simmons as missing practice for a back/not injury related-personal reason, which vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder later explained was time given for the player to consult family and representation.

Medical Rehab Plateaus as Chiefs Weigh Surgery Options

After seeking multiple medical opinions, the choice was made to pursue rehabilitation instead of surgery. Although a repeat MRI before the Week 5 bye showed improvement, ongoing discomfort prompted the team to move him to injured reserve.

Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder detailed the decision to FantasyPros and other reporters. Worked his tail off & diligent every day. However, we feel he has plateaued in the rehab process, Burkholder said, as noted by FantasyPros. Reid added in coverage by Marca that doctors and Simmons ultimately drive the medical choices, noting that back injuries remain complex and an operation remains possible if rehab does not succeed.

Roster Adjustments and Upcoming Matchups in Seattle

The move to injured reserve leaves an open spot on the 53-man roster, with A to Z Sports noting that wide receiver Andrew Armstrong serves as a prime candidate for a promotion following strong practice performances and limited game action. Meanwhile, Arrowhead Addict reported that offensive tackle Jaylon Moore will miss Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a concussion sustained in Week 6, forcing Joshua Ezeudu into action at right tackle.

Simmons must sit out at least four games, keeping him sidelined for the Oct. 25 road contest against Seattle and subsequent matchups. The earliest he is eligible to return to the active roster is Nov. 22, when the Chiefs host the Arizona Cardinals.

Backs are complicated, we all know that. It might be longer time, extended time. And sometimes you have to have the surgery. We’ll buy a little time, and see how things work for him on the rehab part.

Andy Reid