Alright, Chiefs fans, Andy Reid just dropped a bombshell about left tackle Josh Simmons’ lower-back injury. Turns out, he’s been dealing with a bulging disc that’s “kind of hindered the strength of his leg” three games into the season. This isn’t just a bump or a bruise; it’s a serious back issue sidelining a crucial piece of the O-line.
The Simmons Situation: Progress, But No Clear Timeline
Simmons, who the Chiefs picked 32nd overall in last year’s draft, only played eight games in the 2025 campaign. Now, he’s been out for the first three games of 2026, and this bulging disc explains why. The good news, according to Reid, is that Simmons is making progress and shouldn’t need surgery. That’s huge, right? We all know back surgeries can derail careers. Reid said, “He’s here every day grinding away,” which is exactly what you want to hear. Plus, they haven’t put him on injured reserve, meaning the team is holding out hope for a quicker return without guaranteeing he’d miss at least four games. But let’s be real, a bulging disc is tricky. Reid himself admitted, “Backs can be a little tricky,” and the exact prognosis is hard to pin down. When asked about a timeline, Reid was honest: “You never know with these things.” The examinations show he’s progressing, and that’s the biggest positive.
Kahlil Benson Stepping Up in a Huge Spot
With Simmons out, undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson from Indiana has been thrust into the spotlight, protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. That’s an immense responsibility, especially with Mahomes coming off a torn ACL. Benson, who turned heads in Chiefs camp after helping the Hoosiers win a national title, has stepped up admirably. He’s given up three pressures in each game he’s played and been penalized once in both of the last two outings, but here’s the kicker: he hasn’t given up a single sack, per Pro Football Focus. That’s a huge win for an unexpected starter. It definitely helps that Mahomes is a magician under pressure, leading the NFL in EPA per dropback (+0.34) on those snaps this season. The Chiefs are 3-0, so they’re making it work, but having Simmons back would definitely be a welcome boost. Remember, he also missed games last season due to a family matter and five more after wrist surgery from a Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys. When he was on the field in 2025, he allowed two or fewer pressures in four of his eight games. That’s the impact they’re missing.
What’s Next for the Chiefs and Simmons?
The Chiefs are heading into a Week 4 showdown against an undefeated AFC West rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, with Benson still at left tackle. After that, they have a bye in Week 5 before hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. This bye week could be huge for Simmons’ recovery, giving him extra time to get stronger and, hopefully, closer to a return without having to miss additional games. While Reid thinks surgery “shouldn’t happen,” he’s also leaving room for the unknown, saying, “We’ll see where it all goes. But I think we’re going to be, knock on wood, in a good place here with time here.” Here’s hoping that time comes sooner rather than later, because a healthy Simmons is what this O-line needs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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