The Kansas City Chiefs are staring down a massive problem weeks before kickoff, and it’s all thanks to left tackle Josh Simmons. The guy they drafted 32nd overall last year, specifically to anchor Patrick Mahomes’ blindside, is once again sidelined with a back injury that’s taken a straight-up “bizarre twist.” Head coach Andy Reid can’t even offer a definitive timeline for his return, and the team’s concern levels? They’ve spiked, big time.
The Blindside Bet That’s Going Sideways
The whole point of drafting Simmons was to solve those long-standing blindside issues. We saw flashes of brilliance from him during his rookie season, that raw athleticism and physical toolkit screamed “long-term fix.” But now? His immediate availability is completely up in the air, and that’s a nightmare scenario for any team, let alone one with championship ambitions. Imagine Mahomes out there without his main protector. We’re talking chaos! Outkick’s Bobby Burak reported that the situation has actually gotten worse, saying, “Chiefs initially had minimal concern. At least one of the parties is more concerned now. He will undergo more tests to see if it’s more serious.” That “bizarre twist” means those initial shrugs of concern have turned into genuine fear. What does “more serious” even mean? Nobody wants to think about it.
Reid’s Silence Speaks Volumes, Backup Plan Kicks In
Simmons is still stuck on the sidelines, nowhere near practice, and that silence from Andy Reid on a return date is deafening. When Reid isn’t giving concrete timelines, you know it’s not good. The Chiefs aren’t just twiddling their thumbs, though. Kahlil Benson is already stepping up, taking those crucial first-team reps at left tackle. That’s not just a casual rotation; that’s the coaching staff actively prepping for the absolute worst-case scenario. Plus, they cut veteran lineman Kellen Diesch, a move that shows just how fast they’re trying to adjust this roster. This is about ensuring Patrick Mahomes, their star quarterback, stays protected. For a franchise that lives and breathes championship football, instability at left tackle is a risk they just cannot afford to ignore as the season looms.
With the regular season kicking off in just a few weeks, the Chiefs are in a full-blown scramble. All eyes are on these “additional medical tests” for Simmons. Will he be the anchor they drafted, or will this “bizarre twist” force them into an emergency solution? This isn’t just about one player; it’s about the entire offensive line and the protection of their most valuable asset. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
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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