Chiefs' Josh Simmons Flew Home; Return Expected

Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons flew home Oct. 12 for a private family matter and has missed multiple practices and games, including Monday night's loss to the Washington Commanders. Coach Andy Reid and chairman/CEO Clark Hunt say communications with Simmons have been good, describing the situation as private and optimistic that he will return this season, with reports suggesting an early-November (Nov. 16) return around the team's bye. In Simmons' absence veteran Jaylon Moore has started at left tackle and graded capably per Pro Football Focus, allowing eight pressures over 119 pass‑blocking snaps. Simmons, the Chiefs' No. 32 pick, signed a four‑year fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $14.7 million despite a prior college knee injury. The Chiefs have not placed him on the Non‑Football Injury list and are withholding further details while indicating they hope to have him back with the team soon.