Josh Simmons update: Andy Reid reveals Chiefs OL's absence is 'not a negative situation'

The Kansas City Chiefs have been without starting left tackle Josh Simmons, as he’s been away from the team. That’s led to concern about his situation and where he stands with the team moving forward.

Now, Andy Reid has addressed the situation surrounding Simmons. Luckily, there is no negative situation here. Instead, he’s currently dealing with a personal situation that is keeping him away from the team.

“My update for you on Josh would just be, there’s communication,” Reid said. “I’m not going to get into all of it. Everything’s positive. It’s not a negative situation. He’s taking care of family. He’s just taking care of business, that’s the main thing right here. You need to deal with this; that’s what you do. He’s been very good about communicating.”

Reid did not further expand on the personal situation that Simmons is dealing with. However, he was unable to practice with the team due to the issue.

Simmons has now been away from Kansas City since the Chiefs took on the Detroit Lions in Week 6. That came after he had started the first five weeks of the season at left tackle. Still, there is no timetable for his return this season.

It’s a hit to a Kansas City offensive line that is currently dealing with injury issues. Right guard Trey Smith is currently dealing with back spasms. He also missed practice on Thursday, meaning that’s a position that’s going to be tested.

A California native, Simmons played his college football at Ohio State and was a part of last year’s national championship team. He’d then go on to be a first round NFL Draft pick, quickly hitting the ground running in the Kansas City offense.

Currently, the Chiefs are tied for second in the AFC West at 4-3, just a game behind the Denver Broncos. Both games that Simmons was unable to play so far due to these personal reasons have been wins. That includes a 31-0 win over the Raiders last week. Still, missing a starting left tackle is going to be a major challenge to overcome if Simmons isn’t able to return soon.

Kansas City will next be in action at home for Monday Night Football on October 27th. There, the Chiefs are set to host the Washington Commanders. Whether or not Simmons will return to the offensive line for that game, or when he returns at all, still remains to be seen.