Josh Simmons injury update: Chiefs LT undergoes surgery, Andy Reid reveals timeline of absence

Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons underwent surgery on his left wrist and is going on injured reserve, head coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday. Simmons will miss a minimum of four games.

Simmons, Kansas City’s first-round pick out of Ohio State, suffered a dislocated and fractured wrist in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He left AT&T Stadium with a cast on his arm.

Simmons has been impressive for the Chiefs this season. He has allowed two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus, though he’s racked up eight penalties.

“So, listen, your kid loves to play football, and, you know, that’s that part,” Reid said. “He’s depressed about that part. That’s probably the wrong word. He’s down about that part, but he’s upbeat. I mean, the surgery went well, which was a real positive, and so he feels good about that, and then it’s just a matter of coming back. He’s did a great job with his knee coming back. He’s a worker, so he’s whatever he can do to rehab it. He’s going to do. That’s just how he rolls.”

Chiefs have a plan without Josh Simmons

Given the state of their offensive line, the loss of Simmons is the last thing the Chiefs need. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is dealing with a triceps injury and left guard Trey Smith has an ankle injury. Both will not practice Wednesday.

Should Taylor be unavailable this Sunday against the Houston Texans, Wanya Morris will start at left tackle while Jaylon Moore will handle the other tackle spot. Whoever plays along the offensive line will have their hands full. The Texans have the league’s No. 1 defense and might have the best pass rushing duo in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.

The Chiefs are facing a must-win situation Sunday night. At 6-6, they are currently the No. 10 seed in the AFC. Should they fall to the Texans, they will have just an 11% chance of making the playoffs. That number jumps to 48% with a win.