Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons remains a major storyline as the team navigates the second half of the 2026 season. Placed on injured reserve in late October with a bulging herniated disc in his lower back, Simmons has yet to take a snap this year despite high expectations as a former first-round pick. On November 12, conflicting reports emerged about his presence at the team facility and the status of his rehabilitation, fueling fresh questions about his availability for a potential return as early as Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Josh Simmons Back Injury Background and IR Placement
Simmons, selected 32nd overall by the Chiefs in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, entered the 2026 season as the projected starter at left tackle. He reported calf discomfort on August 17 during training camp on the same leg that had previously required patellar tendon repair in college. An MRI revealed a bulging herniated disc higher in the lumbar spine than is typical for offensive linemen. Specialists recommended against surgery, and Simmons began a structured rehab process.
He returned to limited practice in mid-October but plateaued short of full readiness for competition. On October 22, after consultation involving Simmons, his representatives, head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach, and the medical staff, the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve. Under NFL rules, this makes him ineligible to return until after four games, with the earliest possible activation for the Week 11 home game versus Arizona on November 22. Head trainer Rick Burkholder stated that Simmons “worked his tail off” but simply needed more time to return to full function. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has started in his place.
Nate Taylor’s Comments and the Conflicting Insider Reports
During a November 12 appearance on Kansas City radio station 96.5 The Fan, ESPN Chiefs insider Nate Taylor addressed questions about whether Simmons could play against the Cardinals. Taylor noted the difficulty of obtaining clear answers from Andy Reid and stated he had not seen Simmons at the practice facility since the IR decision. He added that the Chiefs had indicated they were still determining the location and details of Simmons’ ongoing rehab.
Other voices with ties to the organization quickly pushed back. Former Chiefs All-Pro tackle Mitchell Schwartz publicly stated that Simmons has been in the building since shortly after the IR placement, attending meetings and attacking his rehabilitation with full dedication in an effort to return as soon as possible. Additional Chiefs insiders have echoed that Simmons remains present and focused on recovery rather than being absent from the facility.
These differing accounts highlight the limited visibility into the rehab process for players on injured reserve, who are generally not available to media, and the ongoing opacity surrounding Simmons’ exact progress.
Outlook for Josh Simmons’ Return and Impact on the Chiefs
With the earliest eligibility window arriving against the Cardinals, the Chiefs have not issued a firm timeline or practice participation update for Simmons. Andy Reid has offered generally positive but nonspecific assessments in recent weeks. A return would provide a significant boost to an offensive line that has relied on Benson and other depth options, potentially improving protection for Patrick Mahomes and opening running lanes.
Until official word comes from the team on Simmons’ health and activation, the conflicting reports from Nate Taylor and other sources will continue to drive discussion among Chiefs fans and observers. His recovery remains one of the most closely watched injury situations in the AFC.
For the most current Josh Simmons injury update, monitor official Chiefs announcements, practice reports, and reputable team insiders as Week 11 approaches.