Chiefs place Josh Simmons on injured reserve with back injury

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 00:32 · Archive

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve due to a bulging disc in his back. The designation requires him to miss at least four games. Simmons reported the leg issue on 17 August, which the Chiefs determined was related to the back condition. A specialist recommended therapy instead of surgery.

Simmons has not played a down this season. Last week he practised in a limited capacity for the first time since reporting the injury. On Wednesday, he was listed as a non-participant in practice for what the team described as 'back/non-injury personal reasons'. Chiefs vice president Rich Burkholder said Simmons used that day to speak with his family before deciding to go on injured reserve.

Fox News reports that scepticism about the team's account is warranted. In August, reporters said the injury was minor and Simmons would return by week one, but he did not. The next explanation was that the Chiefs had not placed him on injured reserve because they expected him to play within the first four weeks. Burkholder says Simmons 'plateaued' in his recovery. However, head coach Andy Reid was apparently unaware, saying on Monday that Simmons would continue to 'ramp up' that week.

How it is being reported

• Fans fear for Josh Simmons' career as Chiefs star is ruled out with injury again... after previous 'mysterious' absenceSimmons was selected by Kansas City with the 32nd overall pick of the 2025 draft. It was hoped he would become their franchise left tackle. But the 23-year-old has started just eight games.Daily Mail Sport · 23 Oct, 00:13
• Chiefs place Josh Simmons on IR, raising questions about his entire future in the NFLJosh Simmons' injured reserve placement raises deeper questions as conflicting timelines and pre-draft character concerns cloud the Chiefs' plans.Fox News · 22 Oct, 20:32

In this story: Josh Simmons · Kansas City Chiefs · Rich Burkholder · Andy Reid

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