Chiefs place Josh Simmons on injured reserve with back injury
Josh Simmons was placed on injured reserve by the Kansas City Chiefs on October 22, 2026, due to a bulging herniated disc.
Rick Burkholder, the team’s Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, announced the decision, citing a “plateaued” rehab process and the need for more time for Simmons to return to full function. This means quarterback Patrick Mahomes will continue without his expected blindside protector for a significant portion of the current season.
Josh Simmons injured reserve stint explained
Simmons, a highly touted 2025 first-round draft pick, has yet to play a snap this season, and this latest move ensures he won’t see action until Week 11 at the earliest. The decision was made after Simmons, 23, briefly returned to limited practice sessions but was not deemed ready for game-day intensity.
His continued absence raises questions about his long-term availability and the Chiefs’ depth at a critical position.
Rick Burkholder provided a detailed account of Josh Simmons’ back injury, explaining that what initially presented as calf discomfort on August 17 was soon diagnosed as a bulging herniated disc. This particular disc issue was “higher up than what we normally see in our offensive linemen,” complicating the typical recovery trajectory.
The team’s medical staff, after consulting with an outside spine specialist in California, opted for a rehabilitation-focused approach rather than surgery. Despite Simmons’ diligent efforts in rehab, Burkholder confirmed he hadn’t progressed to the point necessary for competitive play. This assessment led to the consensus decision, including Simmons, his family, and Head Coach Andy Reid, to place him on injured reserve.
A challenging recovery timeline
Simmons’ absence from practice on October 22 was initially listed with both “personal” and “back” reasons, which Burkholder later clarified was to allow Simmons time to discuss next steps with his family and representatives. The player had been sidelined since mid-August 2026 with the back issue, missing all four games of the current 2026 season before his IR designation.
The medical team confirmed the bulging disc after an MRI, validating initial suspicions of a low back injury over a knee or lower leg ailment. This careful diagnosis was particularly important given Simmons’ history of lower body injuries. Another MRI weeks later showed improvement, but not enough for a full return to the field.
Benson continues to anchor Chiefs’ left tackle spot
In Josh Simmons’ absence, undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has stepped up, starting all five games at left tackle for the undefeated 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Benson’s performance has been a pleasant surprise for the team, solidifying the critical blindside protection for Patrick Mahomes.
His contributions have been vital for an offensive line that has also paved the way for a potent rushing attack. Running back Kenneth Walker III, for instance, currently leads the NFL with an impressive 665 yards on the ground this season, a testament to the effectiveness of the Chiefs’ front five.
Undrafted rookie’s unexpected rise
Kahlil Benson, who was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, earned his spot on the 53-man roster after turning heads during Chiefs camp. He signed with the team on May 4, 2026, and quickly proved his worth, becoming the first undrafted rookie to start Week 1 for the Chiefs in the Andy Reid era.
Benson’s transition to left tackle has been particularly notable, as he primarily played right tackle in college and had never played on the left side before joining the Chiefs. His resilience and quick adaptation earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honor in September 2026.
Through the first three games, Pro Football Focus credited Benson with allowing just six total pressures and no sacks.
A career plagued by injuries and absences
Josh Simmons’ professional career has been marked by a concerning pattern of setbacks since being drafted 32nd overall in the 2025 NFL draft. His rookie season saw him play in only eight games, a stark contrast to the expectations for a first-round offensive tackle selected to protect a franchise quarterback.
Before his current back issue, Simmons missed four games during his rookie 2025 season due to an undisclosed personal family matter. Later that same year, he suffered a dislocated and fractured wrist in a Thanksgiving loss against the Dallas Cowboys, requiring surgery and landing him on injured reserve on December 3, 2025. This string of absences highlights a persistent availability challenge for the young player.
Prior setbacks for the former first-round pick
Even before entering the NFL, Simmons dealt with a significant knee injury during his collegiate career at Ohio State. He suffered a torn patellar tendon on October 12, 2024, during a game against Oregon, prematurely ending his 2024 season.
Despite this, his impressive athleticism and pass-blocking technique during his time at San Diego State and Ohio State, where he won a national championship in 2024, maintained his high draft stock.
The Chiefs moved down one spot in the 2025 draft to select Simmons, signaling their long-term commitment. He holds a standard first-round rookie contract guaranteeing roughly $14.7 million through 2028. However, his limited on-field time due to these various injuries and personal matters has prevented him from fully delivering on that investment and establishing himself as a consistent starter.
Navigating the road ahead for Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs, currently 5-0 and eyeing a deep playoff run, now face a challenging four-game stretch without Josh Simmons. The team’s schedule includes a critical Sunday Night Football road game against the Seattle Seahawks, followed by contests against the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Atlanta Falcons.
Simmons’ earliest possible return will be Week 11 when the Chiefs host the Arizona Cardinals. His absence puts continued pressure on Kahlil Benson and the rest of the offensive line to maintain their high level of play against formidable opponents. The team has already navigated several injury concerns this season, showcasing its resilience.
The Chiefs’ depth and resilience
Beyond Simmons, the Chiefs are managing other key injuries. Wide receiver Rashee Rice is dealing with hamstring and knee issues, while right tackle Jaylon Moore is out with a concussion. Tight end Travis Kelce and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed have been limited in practice due to ankle and knee issues, respectively.
Despite these challenges, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been a full participant, and guard Trey Smith has also participated fully. The team’s strong start to the season suggests their depth and coaching staff, led by the experienced Rick Burkholder in sports medicine, are effectively managing the roster.
This ability to absorb blows is crucial for any NFL team facing roster shifts and injury setbacks over a long season.
Fan frustration and future outlook
The news of Josh Simmons’ return to injured reserve has sparked mixed reactions among Chiefs fans. While some acknowledge the severity of the back injury and the team’s cautious approach, others have voiced frustration over his persistent unavailability. An OutKick writer, Bobby Burack, even questioned the team’s handling of Simmons’ “personal” designation earlier in the week, suggesting a lack of transparency.
Social media comments have reflected growing impatience, with one fan lamenting being “tired of this supposed potentially legendary LT being actually an unavailable mess.” Another speculated that the “personal” designation indicated “panic time” or that the Chiefs were “in trouble.” These sentiments underscore the high expectations placed on a first-round pick, especially one tasked with protecting a generational talent like Patrick Mahomes.
For Simmons himself, this latest setback represents another hurdle in establishing a consistent NFL career. While the current injury doesn’t require surgery, the prolonged recovery time and the accumulation of past injuries paint a concerning picture.
His return in Week 11, should it occur, will be closely watched, as the Chiefs need him to not only be healthy but to sustain that health to justify their significant investment and bolster their offensive line for a Super Bowl push.
The ongoing challenge for the Chiefs will be to balance Simmons’ long-term health with the immediate needs of a championship-contending team. His return, whenever it happens, will be critical for the team’s stability and depth as they head into the latter half of the season.
The team, known for its strategic roster management, will continue to monitor his progress closely, ensuring he is truly ready for the rigors of NFL competition before activating him.