Josh Simmons will have to wait a little longer before returning to practice, with Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid making it clear that the young tackle's recovery will be gradual.

Simmons has not practiced since Aug. 17 and also missed the Chiefs' preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks. Kansas City is continuing to evaluate his back injury while Simmons seeks further medical input.

“It's going to take a little bit of time here. He's a hard worker when it comes to these types of things,” Andy Reid said after Friday's 9-9 tie.

The Chiefs selected Simmons No. 32 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and saw him as a potential long-term answer at left tackle.

“It's just a matter of eliminating some of the pain that he has — and strength, making sure he has enough strength there,” Reid said on Friday, according to a Sleeper Chiefs X post.

Simmons played eight games as a rookie, starting the first five before taking a four-game leave for a family matter.

After returning, Simmons started three more games before suffering a wrist fracture against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

Kansas City begins the regular season against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14.

With Simmons still out of practice, the Chiefs are now focused on getting a clearer picture of what is keeping their young tackle sidelined.

What’s next for Josh Simmons?

Kansas City now has to manage another setback carefully.

Josh Simmons has been away from practice for more than a week, and the Kansas City Chiefs are checking on the back issue that has kept their left tackle out.

The Chiefs used undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson at left tackle against Seattle, while Jaylon Moore handled right tackle during the starters' opening series.

“He’ll [Kahlil Benson] be over there at left tackle this week, and we’ll see how he does with it,” Reid said on Wednesday, according to NBC Sports.

Benson is listed as the backup at the position on the Chiefs' depth chart.

For Simmons, the immediate focus remains on his back and getting a clear picture of the injury before the Chiefs determine his next step.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Debanjali Rakshit