The Chiefs have not officially said so, but indications are that rookie left tackle Josh Simmons will be back in the starting lineup Sunday after being away from the team for more than a month due to an undisclosed family matter.
Simmons, the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, returned to the practice field this week.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said “there’s a chance” the Ohio State product will play in Sunday’s AFC West clash with the first-place Broncos.
The 22-year-old missed wins over the Lions, Raiders and Commanders and a road loss to the Bills in Week 9 before the Chiefs had their bye last week.
The team had been cryptic regarding his absence, providing scant details before he returned to the team’s facility recently.
“My update for you with Josh would just be, there’s communication,” Reid said in late October. “I’m not going to get into all of it. Everything’s positive. It’s not a negative situation. He’s taking care of family.”
Simmons was not listed with a game-day designation on the team’s final injury report this week, another indication he will suit up in Denver.
Reid said Friday he would check with Simmons and speak with offensive line coach Andy Heck “before I say anything” definitive about the player’s status for this week’s game.
‘He’s just taking care of business,” Reid said recently about Simmons’ absence. “That’s the main thing right here. When you deal with this, that’s what you do. He’s been very good about communicating it.’
make every NFL game pay off
Underdog is where football fans become winners.
- Easy player picks
- No season-long commitments
- Real prizes every single night
Use promo code NYPOST5 to get $50 in site credits when you play $5!
The Chiefs (5-4) trail both the Broncos (8-2) and the Chargers (7-3) in the AFC West, but this marks their first of two divisional matchups against Denver over their final eight games.
The teams also will square off on Christmas night at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco will miss Sunday’s contest with a knee issue, while Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins also has been ruled out with a foot injury.
