- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Kansas City is placing left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve as the first-round rookie continues recovering from a back injury that has kept him out all season.
Chiefs vice president of sports medicine Rick Burkholder announced the move Thursday, explaining that Simmons has plateaued in his rehab despite diligent work with the training staff. Simmons had returned to limited practice last week but is not ready for competition.
The issue traces back to Aug. 17, when Simmons reported calf discomfort. Medical staff traced it to a bulging disc in his lower back, higher than typically seen in offensive linemen, complicating recovery. The same leg had suffered a torn patellar tendon in 2024 at Ohio State.
No surgery is currently planned. The IR designation allows Simmons extended rehab time with the goal of returning to his previous level.
Undrafted rookie Kahliil Benson has started all five games at left tackle in Simmons' absence. Simmons, the 32nd overall pick in 2025, has played eight career games.
Mickey's Angle: Benson's hold on the left tackle job just got firmer with no timetable for Simmons' return; monitor Kansas City's pass protection metrics with the rookie anchoring Patrick Mahomes' blindside.
Source: ProFootballTalk (also reported by ESPN, CBS Sports) - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.