Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round left tackle from the 2025 draft, has been out of practice for *more than a week* now with a back injury. This isn’t just a minor setback for a rotational guy, we’re talking about a key piece of the offensive line, a player taken 32nd overall, who is *still* stuck on the sidelines as the regular season looms. Coach Andy Reid himself confirmed on Wednesday that Simmons is undergoing evaluations to figure out what’s really going on back there. It’s an unsettling start for a player the Chiefs invested so heavily in, especially with the clock ticking towards Week 1.
The Lingering Question Mark for a Top Pick
This isn’t just any backup; this is a first-round pick, a significant investment from the 2025 NFL Draft, grabbed at No. 32 overall. When the Chiefs picked Simmons, they knew he carried a bit of a history, having torn a patellar tendon during his final season at Ohio State. That injury limited him significantly, as he only started eight games after that. So, durability has been a question mark surrounding Simmons since the moment he stepped into the league. Now, with a back injury keeping him off the field for over a week of crucial practice time, those old worries are flaring up big time. Reid’s comments, “He’s just getting his back checked out,” and the frank admission that “we’ve got to make sure that it’s. . . see if it’s right or what’s wrong with it,” do not exactly paint a picture of a quick or easy return. For a franchise that absolutely relies on protecting their quarterback, having a cornerstone tackle battling an undefined back issue right now is a serious, serious problem. They need him “right,” and the evaluation process sounds like it’s still very much underway, leaving everyone hanging.
Next Man Up: High Stakes for Benson
With Simmons undeniably out, it’s Kahlil Benson stepping up to fill those massive shoes at left tackle. Benson, who is currently listed as the direct backup on the Chiefs’ depth chart, is now slated to start the team’s *final preseason game*. This is his moment to prove he belongs, but it’s also a ridiculously tough spot to be in, taking over for a guy who was a first-round talent. Coach Reid’s assessment of Benson is pretty straightforward, almost a “prove it” moment: “He’ll be over there at left tackle this week, and we’ll see how he does with it.” That “we’ll see” tells you everything a fan needs to know about the uncertainty heading into that game. There are other guys behind Benson, too, like Esa Pole and Ethan Driskell, but the potential drop-off in talent after Simmons is something nobody wants to think about. And as if the offensive line concerns weren’t enough, running back Kenneth Walker is also dealing with a swollen ankle. So, not only is the crucial protection up in the air, but another key piece of the offense is banged up, too.
The Chiefs are heading into their final preseason game with major questions swirling around their most important offensive line position and a lingering, frustrating injury for a crucial draft pick. Kahlil Benson has a monumental task ahead of him, and everyone in Kansas City will be watching intently to see how he performs in this high-pressure situation. Meanwhile, the unsettling uncertainty surrounding Josh Simmons’ back, combined with the additional concern of Kenneth Walker’s swollen ankle, means the coaching staff has their hands full sorting out these significant issues before the regular season officially kicks off. This team needs definitive answers, and they need them fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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