NFLSep 30
Chiefs hopeful Josh Simmons can avoid surgery for bulging disk
Kansas City’s left tackle continues to regain strength, with a return against the Chargers after the bye remaining the team’s hope.
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Recovery progressing, return uncertain
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that a bulging disk is behind left tackle Josh Simmons’ extended absence, explaining that the lower-back issue has affected his leg strength. Simmons has been out of team practices since suffering the injury on Aug. 17. He remained sidelined Wednesday and is not expected to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Kansas City believes Simmons can recover without surgery. Reid said examinations have indicated improvement and that Simmons is getting stronger through his daily rehabilitation work. The Chiefs have not placed him on injured reserve, though Reid cautioned that back injuries make a firm return timetable difficult to establish. The team hopes Simmons can rejoin the lineup after its bye for the Oct. 18 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Protection remains a focus
Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has started in Simmons’ place. Kansas City improved to 3-0 by beating the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday, but Benson had difficulties against pass rushers Josh Uche and Chop Robinson. Miami delivered a season-high five hits on Patrick Mahomes. Availability has been a recurring issue for Simmons, the Chiefs’ 2025 first-round selection. Kansas City has played 12 games without him and eight with him since drafting him. Last season, he missed a four-game stretch because of a family situation, then later suffered a season-ending fractured and dislocated left wrist against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Mahomes praised Simmons’ commitment to his recovery and expressed eagerness to have him back on the field. For now, the Chiefs continue with Benson while Simmons works toward a return.
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