Chiefs' Josh Simmons Placed on Injured Reserve After Meeting Incident

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Josh Simmons has been placed on the injured reserve, a move that follows an incident during a team meeting.

Simmons, a first-round draft pick in 2025, reportedly had a tense exchange with head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes during a meeting earlier in the week. According to ESPN and NFL Network, Simmons was told to leave the meeting after a discussion about his back injury. Simmons later apologized for his actions.

The team had previously stated that the 23-year-old player was dealing with a bulging disc in his back and had been listed on the injury report for "back/non-injury personal reasons." Prior to this, his absence had been described as mysterious.

The incident occurred when Simmons reportedly kept his feet on a desk during the meeting, citing his back pain. When instructed by Reid to remove them, Simmons explained his need to maintain that position. Mahomes also echoed Reid's suggestion for Simmons to seek treatment from the team's athletic trainers.

Simmons was officially placed on the injured reserve on Thursday. He is eligible to return to play in Week 11. His NFL career has been marked by questions about his character and injury history, including a patellar tendon injury before the 2025 draft.

With Simmons sidelined, Kahlil Benson is expected to step up at the left tackle position, having played in all five of the Chiefs' games this season.