For the Kansas City Chiefs to bounce back in 2026, nearly everything will need to fall into place. Patrick Mahomes and Rashee Rice must remain fully healthy, Travis Kelce will need to rediscover his best form, and the team’s defensive additions must quickly develop chemistry.
Despite the questions surrounding the roster, head coach Andy Reid could have expected the offensive line to be one of the Chiefs’ strongest units. Kansas City has considerable talent on the interior and at both tackle positions. However, talent alone does not guarantee consistency.
Josh Simmons injury raises questions for Chiefs
The Chiefs are experiencing that reality with left tackle Josh Simmons. Kansas City’s first-round pick last year endured a turbulent rookie season. He rushed back from knee surgery to start in Week 1, stepped away from the team during the season because of a family situation, and struggled to produce consistently when he was on the field.
Given Simmons’ significant talent, he is widely expected to remain Kansas City’s starting left tackle this season and for years to come. That plan depends on him being available, however. Simmons is currently sidelined with a back injury.
Reports from local beat writers indicate that the Chiefs are not overly concerned about the injury itself, but the team may have questions about how Simmons is managing the situation. According to Chase Snyder, Simmons decided to undergo additional testing. Although the Chiefs believe the injury is minor, Simmons is taking a cautious approach and pursuing every measure to ensure he is fully healthy.
Some fans also felt that Reid appeared slightly perturbed when asked about Simmons’ injury during a recent press conference.
The concern has grown because of Simmons’ prolonged absence last season, which was described as “mysterious” at the time. Still, the young tackle is likely fine and should return sooner rather than later.
Even so, Simmons’ absence from practice is not ideal for the Chiefs. He needs as many repetitions as possible to improve and develop, particularly during a season when Mahomes may need more protection than usual.
