Andy BackstromContributing writerWed, December 3, 2025 at 6:36 PM UTC·2 min readKansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons missed four games earlier this season because of an undisclosed family matter. The rookie will have to sit out at least four more now that he's going on injured reserve.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHead coach Andy Reid told reporters Wednesday that Simmons is headed to IR following successful surgery on his left wrist. Simmons suffered the injury last week in a Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Chiefs selected Simmons with the No. 32 overall pick in this year's draft. He impressed in the offseason, so much so that, in training camp, he earned the opportunity to protect the blindside of two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Despite coming off a season-ending knee injury at Ohio State, Simmons beat out Jaylon Moore, whom the Chiefs had signed in free agency to a two-year deal worth $30 million.
Prior to his injury, he had allowed a pressure rate of 6.6% over eight games of action, the second-lowest mark in that department among left tackles who have piled up at least 150 pass blocks in their rookie season since 2018, according to Next Gen Stats.
Simmons' athleticism has translated to the next level, however, his availability continues to be an issue. That's a problem for the Chiefs, who are also dealing with other injuries up front.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRight tackle Jawaan Taylor (left tricep) and right guard Trey Smith (right ankle) aren't expected to practice Wednesday either, according to ESPN's Nate Taylor.
Kansas City is elevating offensive tackle Esa Pole from the practice squad to take Simmons' spot on the 53-man roster, per Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star.
The Chiefs are gearing up to face a Houston Texans team Sunday that ranks first in the NFL in fewest points per game allowed (16.5) and total yards per game allowed (265.7). Houston is tied for sixth in the league this season with 34 sacks. Eight of those came against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills during a "Thursday Night Football" win two weeks ago.
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