Chiefs’ First-Round Pick Josh Simmons Is ‘Week-to-Week’ and Nobody’s Talking Enough About How Bad That Is

Kansas City’s 2025 first-round pick, Josh Simmons, is officially “week-to-week” with a nagging back injury, and it means he’s missing big early-season games. This isn’t just some minor ding; Simmons was already out for Week 1, and now we know he’s also sidelined for Sunday night’s matchup against the Colts. Talk about a tough break for a guy expected to anchor that offensive line.

The “Week-to-Week” Reality and What It Means

When you hear “week-to-week,” alarm bells should be ringing. It’s not a day-to-day thing; it suggests a significant issue that’s going to linger. We’ve heard Simmons got a second opinion from a back specialist, which tells you this isn’t some minor tweak they’re just hoping clears up. The good news, if you can call it that, is he’s in the facility every day, getting rehab and attending meetings. They haven’t slapped him on injured reserve, which would mean a minimum four-game absence. But let’s be real, “week-to-week” totally suggests he could miss at least another week, maybe more.

Deja Vu All Over Again?

This isn’t the first time Simmons has been absent, and that’s probably got some Chiefs fans feeling a bit antsy. Back in 2025, he was away from the team for 22 days, though that was chalked up to a “family situation.” This time around, the word is it’s a strictly physical issue. For now, at least. Either way, Simmons isn’t on the field, and his absence pushes an undrafted rookie, Kahlil Benson, into the spotlight. Benson started at left tackle in Week 1, playing all 69 offensive snaps. That’s a huge load for a new guy, especially when you’re missing your highly-touted first-round talent.

So what’s next for the Chiefs without Simmons? They play at Miami next Sunday, and then in Week 4, they’re heading to Las Vegas to face the Raiders. Losing a left tackle, especially a first-round talent, this early in the season is never easy. It’s on Benson and the rest of that offensive line to hold it down until Simmons can make his return, whenever that is. We’ll be watching.

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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.