Mahomes Reportedly Intervenes as Chiefs Teammate Simmons Clashes with Reid, Exits Meeting

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reportedly intervened in a heated exchange between offensive tackle Josh Simmons and head coach Andy Reid, ultimately telling Simmons to leave a team meeting. The incident occurred the day before Simmons was placed on injured reserve.

According to ESPN, Simmons, 23, was sitting with his feet up during an offensive meeting when Reid asked him to put them down. Simmons reportedly pushed back, citing pain in his back and hips. Reid then suggested Simmons seek treatment from athletic trainers, but the conversation escalated.

Mahomes then stepped in, backing Reid and instructing Simmons to leave the meeting to receive treatment, as his behavior was disrupting the session. Simmons reportedly left the room but remained at the facility and later apologized to Reid, Mahomes, and other team leaders.

Simmons, a first-round draft pick in 2025, has seen limited playing time, appearing in just eight games over the last two seasons. He was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday with a bulging, herniated disk in his lower back. Head trainer Rick Burkholder explained that the injury was located higher than typical for offensive linemen and, despite diligent rehabilitation, Simmons had plateaued in his recovery.

Burkholder stated that surgery was not recommended after repeat MRIs showed improvement, but Simmons requires additional time to regain full function. The decision to place him on injured reserve was reportedly unanimous. Simmons will miss at least four games, with his earliest possible return on November 22 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy encouraged Simmons to focus on his recovery one day at a time. In Simmons's absence, Kahlil Benson has been playing left tackle. Joshua Ezeudu is expected to start at right tackle for the upcoming game due to an injury to Jaylon Moore.