Chiefs’ Josh Simmons Returns to Practice; Start Against Broncos Uncertain

Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons has returned to practice this week, raising questions about his potential starting role in the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos this Sunday. Coach Andy Reid stated he will take a cautious approach in determining Simmons’ return to the lineup after the player was absent for personal reasons since October 12.

Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick in April, rejoined the team at their facility last week during their bye week. Reid confirmed that all players, including Simmons, would return to practice on Tuesday, and he emphasized the importance of assessing Simmons’ readiness to compete immediately.

“We know we’ve got a good player in there now (in Jaylon Moore), and we know what Josh is capable of,” Reid remarked during a press conference on Monday. Moore has filled in for Simmons during his absence and has performed well, starting four games with a solid offensive grade of 69.0 according to Pro Football Focus.

Simmons previously showcased his abilities in the first five games of the season after winning the left tackle position in training camp. Coaches praised his competitiveness and resilience, but his sudden departure left the team navigating a challenging situation during his absence. Reid acknowledged that Simmons had been “taking care of family” matters, underscoring the organization’s support for his personal situation.

As the Chiefs prepare for their critical matchup against the Broncos, Simmons’ status looms large. Currently, the Chiefs are 2.5 games behind in the AFC West standings, making this game pivotal for their playoff aspirations. A victory could boost their chances of winning the division to 38%, while a loss would reduce those hopes drastically to just 7%, according to The Athletic’s playoff simulator.

The Broncos present a formidable challenge for the Chiefs’ offensive line, leading the NFL with 46 sacks this season—significantly ahead of the second-place teams at 32. This context raises concerns about Simmons’ fitness, given his time away from competitive play. While Reid did not confirm whether Simmons participated in workouts while away, he expressed confidence in the rookie’s training regimen.

“I know he’s been working out for sure,” Reid indicated, reinforcing that Simmons is likely maintaining his physical condition.

As practice resumes on Wednesday, the Chiefs will have the opportunity to evaluate Simmons further. With a mix of optimism and caution, Reid and the coaching staff will determine the best course of action regarding Simmons’ return to the starting lineup. The team is keenly aware of the importance of this decision, not just for the game against the Broncos, but for their overall season trajectory.