Where is Josh Simmons? What we know about 'extremely unusual' absence from Chiefs

Teddy Ricketson

Where is Josh Simmons? What we know about 'extremely unusual' absence from Chiefs image

Josh Simmons, an offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, was drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and has been a starter on the team’s offensive line this season.

Ahead of the Chiefs’ Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions on "Sunday Night Football," Simmons was added to the injury report and listed as questionable just hours before the game. He did not play and has not been with the team during the Week 7 lead-up to Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Kansas City has listed Simmons on its injury report as “Not Injury Related -- Personal.” ESPN's Nate Taylor who covers Kansas city, said that the timing of the situation was "extremely unusual." 

Here is more on what we know about Simmons' unusual absence from the Chiefs. 

** This story will be updated as additional information becomes available 

Josh Simmons updates

Simmons was ruled out ahead of the Chiefs’ Week 6 game due to personal reasons. When Week 7 practice began on Wednesday, Simmons was absent and still dealing with a personal matter. His absence continued Thursday, and the offensive lineman is on track not to play in Week 7. Simmons was again absent from practice on Friday. 

What happened to Josh Simmons?

We don't know for sure. The only concrete information that we have been given is that NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said that Simmons is "dealing with a family matter back home in California."

Josh Simmons personal issue timeline

Chiefs have no injury designations on final Week 6 injury report

October 10: The Chiefs released their final injury designations for the Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions. No players were listed. 

Simmons is added to game day injury report as questionable 

October 12: Simmons was added to the injury report at 2:57 p.m. ET on game day, less than six hours before kickoff. He was listed as questionable with the description (Not Injury Related - Personal).

Simmons is ruled out for Week 6

October 12: Simmons was downgraded to out at 6:06 p.m. ET. 

ESPN's Nate Taylor provides insight on 'Only Weird Games' Podcast

October 14: In a podcast appearance on Tuesday, the ESPN Chiefs beat reporter provided information on what he knew about the absence. "He left at a time on Sunday that is extremely unusual. and I’m not sure when he’s coming back. I don’t know if the team — as of right now, the team doesn’t know when he’s coming back. No one associated with the Kansas City Chiefs has said to me, ‘Oh, he’ll be back Thursday or he’ll be back Friday or we anticipate him to be back at a certain point in time.'"

Andy Reid speaks about Simmons

October 15: On Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media in his weekly press conference. About Simmons, he said, "As far as Josh Simmons' situation goes, I'm not going to comment on it today. [General manager Brett] Veach is handling everything there. And we'll leave it at that." Reid was asked if they had a timeline for the offensive lineman's return, and he shook his head no.

Patrick Mahomes is asked about Simmons

October 15: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also had an appearance at the press conference and was asked about his teammate. He said, "I’ll keep conversations kind of between us. But I’m always praying for him. I’m praying for all my teammates, so I’m always praying for him. I’ll just keep everything else kind of private to us."

ESPN's Nate Taylor provides more context

October 16: ESPN Chiefs beat reporter Nate Taylor had a radio appearance on 96.5 The Fan. He couldn't go on the record with any of the information that he had heard from sources. He simply said, "I do believe it is a family matter." Taylor also added that Simmons' Week 5 add to the injury report ahead of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars of an "illness" was related to this personal matter. "I was sort of told yesterday, that his blip on the injury report hours before kickoff in the stadium in Jacksonville is related to what he's dealing with now."

Taylor ended the segment with "I can't imagine what he's going through, based on what I've heard."

It is confirmed to be a family situation

October 17: Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Simmons did not practice on Friday. He added that the offensive lineman is still excused and confirmed that it was due to a "family situation."

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.