Josh Simmons Told to Leave Chiefs Meeting by Reid

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons was reportedly told to leave a team meeting by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes following a tense exchange over his posture and back discomfort, according to sources cited by NFL Network. Simmons later apologised to Reid and the team’s leadership, acknowledging that he could have handled the situation better.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, one day before the Chiefs placed Simmons on injured reserve because of a bulging, herniated disk in his lower back. The 2025 first-round draft pick had already been inactive for Kansas City’s first five games of the 2026 season as he continued to deal with physical problems that have disrupted the early stages of his NFL career.

According to multiple sources who witnessed the interaction, Simmons was sitting with his feet elevated in the offensive meeting room when Reid asked him to put them down. Simmons reportedly explained that his back and hips were aching, prompting Reid to tell him to seek treatment from the team’s athletic trainers if he was experiencing pain.

The disagreement continued and disrupted the meeting before Mahomes reportedly supported Reid’s instruction for Simmons to leave the room and get treatment. Simmons left the meeting but remained inside the building. Later that day, he apologised to Reid and team leadership.

What Happened Between Josh Simmons, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes?

The reported confrontation began during a Kansas City offensive meeting on Wednesday. Simmons, who has been working his way back from a significant back problem, was sitting with his feet up when Reid asked him to lower them.

Sources told NFL Network that Simmons responded by explaining that he needed to sit that way because his back and hips were causing discomfort. Reid reportedly instructed the young offensive lineman to visit the athletic trainers if he was genuinely experiencing pain.

Rather than ending the exchange immediately, the discussion continued and interrupted the meeting. Mahomes then reportedly echoed Reid’s position, telling Simmons to leave the room and obtain treatment.

Simmons appeared perturbed as he left the meeting, according to the supplied report, although he did not leave the Chiefs’ facility. The incident was followed by an apology later in the day, when Simmons addressed Reid and the organisation’s leadership.

The episode highlights a difficult situation involving a young player who has been struggling with an injury while trying to establish himself in the NFL. However, the reported disagreement should be distinguished from the medical decision that followed: Simmons was placed on injured reserve because of his back condition, rather than because of the meeting incident.

There is no indication in the supplied report that the confrontation itself was the reason for his roster designation. Instead, the Chiefs’ decision came after Simmons continued to experience discomfort associated with the disk problem that had kept him out of action for much of the season.

Josh Simmons Apologised to Andy Reid and Chiefs Leadership

Simmons reportedly apologised to Reid and the Chiefs’ leadership later on Wednesday, acknowledging that he could have handled the situation better. The apology came after the exchange disrupted the offensive meeting and prompted him to leave the room.

The reported apology suggests Simmons recognised that the disagreement could have been managed differently. In a professional football environment, team meetings are central to preparation, communication and the installation of weekly game plans. A dispute during such a session can interrupt the work of coaches and players preparing for an upcoming opponent.

At the same time, Simmons’ reported explanation centred on physical discomfort. Back and hip pain can make prolonged sitting difficult, particularly for an offensive lineman dealing with a lower-back condition. The supplied account does not establish the severity of his discomfort at the precise moment of the exchange, nor does it provide Simmons’ own detailed public account of the incident.

The circumstances therefore involve two distinct considerations: the importance of maintaining professional standards during team meetings and the need to address a player’s medical concerns appropriately. According to the report, Reid directed Simmons towards the athletic trainers when he said he was experiencing pain.

The subsequent apology may help the parties move beyond the confrontation, but Simmons’ immediate priority remains his recovery. His placement on injured reserve means he will have to continue rehabilitation rather than return to the field in the short term.

Chiefs Place Josh Simmons on Injured Reserve With Back Injury

The Chiefs placed Simmons on injured reserve on Thursday, one day after the reported meeting incident. The move followed continued discomfort caused by a bulging, herniated disk in his lower back.

Simmons had missed practice on Wednesday, with Kansas City’s injury report initially listing his absence as “back/not injury related-personal.” Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder subsequently explained that the personal designation was connected to the team giving Simmons time to speak with his family and representatives about the next steps in his rehabilitation.

That explanation provides important context for the timing of the roster move. The team was considering how to proceed with Simmons’ recovery, and the player was given time to discuss the situation with people close to him and those representing his interests.

By Thursday, the Chiefs had decided to place him on injured reserve because of the continuing back problem. The designation means Simmons will miss at least four additional games, including Kansas City’s road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

Under the schedule described in the supplied report, the earliest he could return would be Week 11, when the Chiefs are due to host the Arizona Cardinals on November 22. That date represents the earliest potential return, not a guarantee that Simmons will be ready to play by then.

His eventual availability will depend on how his back responds to rehabilitation and whether the medical staff considers him ready to resume football activities. For now, the Chiefs must plan their offensive line without him.

How Josh Simmons’ Back Injury Developed

Simmons has been sidelined since August, when he reported discomfort in his calf. According to the supplied report, Kansas City’s athletic trainers suspected that the symptoms could be related to a problem in his back rather than an isolated calf issue.

An MRI subsequently confirmed a bulging disk. Simmons sought multiple medical opinions, and the recommendation was to pursue rehabilitation rather than undergo surgery. The decision gave him an opportunity to recover without an operation, although the process has not yet resolved his symptoms.

Following the Chiefs’ Week 5 bye, Simmons returned to practice after a repeat MRI showed improvement in the condition of the disk. The progress offered encouragement that rehabilitation was working, but an improved scan did not necessarily mean that he was ready to withstand the physical demands of an NFL game.

Despite the progress, Simmons continued to experience discomfort. The Chiefs ultimately decided that placing him on injured reserve was the appropriate course of action as he continued working towards recovery.

Back injuries can be particularly challenging for offensive linemen because their position requires repeated explosive movements, sustained physical contact and the ability to maintain balance against powerful defenders. Even when imaging shows improvement, a player may still experience symptoms that affect his ability to perform at full capacity.

The supplied information does not establish a definitive timetable for Simmons’ recovery beyond the minimum period associated with his injured-reserve placement. His return will depend on his progress and the team’s assessment of his readiness.

A Frustrating Start to Simmons’ NFL Career

Simmons entered the NFL with considerable expectations after Kansas City selected him with the final pick of the first round in the 2025 draft. The offensive tackle has the physical tools to become an important part of the Chiefs’ protection plan, but injuries and other absences have limited his opportunities.

According to the supplied report, Simmons has played in only eight of Kansas City’s 22 games since joining the team. He missed Weeks 6 through 9 of his rookie season for personal reasons involving his family before suffering a serious wrist injury against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

The wrist injury involved a dislocation and fracture, requiring surgery that ended his season. His subsequent back problem has now created another significant interruption, preventing him from establishing a consistent presence on the field.

For a young offensive lineman, regular playing time is important for developing technique, communication and familiarity with teammates. Offensive line play depends heavily on coordination, particularly when blockers must identify defensive fronts, respond to stunts and work together to protect the quarterback.

Missing extended periods of practice and games can make that development more difficult. Simmons has had limited opportunities to build continuity with Kansas City’s offensive line, and the latest injury means he will have to wait longer before attempting to establish himself in the lineup.

The situation is also frustrating because of the talent he has reportedly shown. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle has impressed teammates with his combination of strength and athleticism during practices and on game days. His physical ability has generated optimism about what he could contribute once he is healthy enough to play consistently.

However, potential alone cannot solve the immediate problem. The Chiefs need dependable offensive line options for the remainder of the season, while Simmons must focus on resolving the condition that has kept him out of the lineup.

Why the Chiefs Drafted Simmons in the First Round

Kansas City used a first-round selection on Simmons in 2025, making him a significant part of the organisation’s plans for the offensive line. Selecting an offensive tackle that early reflects the importance of protecting the quarterback and maintaining stability at one of football’s most demanding positions.

Offensive tackles are responsible for protecting the edges of the pocket and preventing pass rushers from reaching the quarterback. Their work is especially important when an offence relies on developing deeper passing plays, which require the quarterback to have enough time to scan the field and deliver the ball.

For Mahomes, reliable protection is central to the Chiefs’ offensive operation. Although his mobility and ability to extend plays can help him escape pressure, the team still needs its offensive line to create a stable pocket and open running lanes.

Simmons’ strength and athleticism could make him a valuable long-term option if he can overcome his medical problems. Nevertheless, his limited game experience means the Chiefs have yet to receive a sustained return from their investment.

His current situation also illustrates the uncertainty involved in developing young players. A first-round selection can arrive with high expectations, but injuries can interrupt the process before a player has the chance to demonstrate his full ability over an extended period.

Who Will Protect Patrick Mahomes While Simmons Is Out?

With Simmons on injured reserve, Kansas City must continue relying on alternative offensive line combinations. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has served as Mahomes’ blindside protector this season and is expected to remain in that role, according to the supplied report.

Veteran Jaylon Moore has been the Chiefs’ primary starting right tackle. However, Moore will not play against Seattle because of a concussion, creating another challenge for the team as it prepares for the upcoming game.

The Chiefs are expected to start Joshua Ezeudu at right tackle against the Seahawks. His inclusion gives Kansas City an alternative at a position where continuity is particularly valuable, especially when the team faces a defence capable of putting pressure on the quarterback.

Replacing offensive linemen can affect more than one position. Changes to the starting five may require players to adjust their communication, blocking assignments and expectations about how the unit will respond to different defensive looks.

That challenge becomes more significant when the team is already without a first-round tackle who has been working towards a return. The coaching staff must balance the need for immediate reliability with the development of players who may be taking on increased responsibilities.

For Mahomes, the goal will be to operate effectively behind the available personnel. Quick decisions, sound protection communication and adjustments to the offensive approach could all become important if Seattle generates consistent pressure.

What Josh Simmons’ Absence Means for the Chiefs’ Offense

Simmons’ absence reduces Kansas City’s options at offensive tackle and delays the team’s opportunity to evaluate him in a regular role. The Chiefs must instead work with their available linemen and find the combination that offers the best chance of protecting Mahomes.

Offensive line stability can influence the entire offence. Strong protection allows a quarterback to progress through his reads, while effective run blocking helps the team maintain balance and avoid becoming overly dependent on passing plays.

When injuries force changes to the line, the coaching staff may need to adjust its strategy. That can include using additional blockers, modifying protections or asking the quarterback to release the ball more quickly in situations where the pocket is likely to be challenged.

Those adjustments do not necessarily prevent an offence from succeeding, but they can affect how it approaches certain matchups. The Chiefs will need to ensure that the players replacing Simmons and Moore are prepared for their assignments against Seattle.

Simmons’ rehabilitation will remain important beyond the immediate matchup. If he can return to full health, he could provide another option at tackle and give the Chiefs greater flexibility in how they construct their offensive line later in the season.

Can Josh Simmons Return in Week 11?

According to the supplied report, Week 11 is the earliest Simmons could return, with Kansas City scheduled to host the Arizona Cardinals on November 22. However, that date should be viewed as a potential return window rather than a confirmed comeback.

His continued discomfort is the key issue. Although a repeat MRI showed improvement before he returned to practice after the Week 5 bye, the symptoms have persisted. The Chiefs will need to determine whether rehabilitation has progressed far enough for him to handle the demands of full-contact football.

A return to practice would not automatically mean he is ready for a game. Offensive linemen must be able to move, absorb contact, maintain leverage and react quickly to defenders. Any lingering back symptoms could affect those movements and make it difficult to perform consistently.

The team is therefore likely to prioritise his recovery rather than rush him back simply because the minimum period on injured reserve has passed. His medical progress and ability to tolerate football activities will determine the next steps.

For Simmons, the immediate objective is to return to a level of health that allows him to practise consistently and compete for a place in the lineup. A successful recovery would give him a chance to resume his development after a difficult start to his professional career.

Final Take: Chiefs Must Balance Simmons’ Recovery With Immediate Needs

Josh Simmons’ reported confrontation with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes has drawn attention to a difficult period for the young Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle. According to sources cited by NFL Network, Simmons was asked to leave a team meeting after a disagreement about sitting with his feet elevated because of back and hip discomfort. He later apologised to Reid and team leadership.

The more immediate development, however, is his placement on injured reserve because of a bulging, herniated disk in his lower back. Simmons had shown some improvement on a repeat MRI and returned to practice after the Week 5 bye, but continued discomfort led the Chiefs to pause his comeback.

His absence leaves Kansas City needing to manage further changes on the offensive line. Kahlil Benson is expected to continue protecting Mahomes’ blindside, while Joshua Ezeudu is set to start at right tackle against Seattle because Moore is unavailable with a concussion.

Simmons could become eligible to return in Week 11 against Arizona, but his actual comeback will depend on his recovery. After injuries limited him to eight appearances in his first 22 games with the Chiefs, the priority is to regain his health and establish the consistency needed to fulfil his potential.

For Kansas City, the task is to maintain effective protection for Mahomes with the players currently available while allowing Simmons the time needed to recover. The reported meeting incident may have created tension, but his long-term prospects will depend primarily on his ability to overcome his back problem and return to the field.