The Kansas City Chiefs have suffered a significant injury blow ahead of their NFL Week 7 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
The #Chiefs are placing LT Josh Simmons (back) on Injured Reserve https://t.co/V1LdAc64wc
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) October 22, 2026
Kansas City is placing starting left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve as his recovery from a back injury has plateaued, creating another major question for an offensive line that has already dealt with injuries this season.
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Josh Simmons lands on injured reserve
Simmons has been dealing with a back injury since training camp and has yet to make his 2026 regular-season debut. The former first-round pick briefly appeared to be trending toward a return after participating on a limited basis in all three practices ahead of Kansas City’s Week 6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
That optimism disappeared quickly. Simmons did not play against the Chargers and was again unable to practice Wednesday ahead of the Seahawks game. The Chiefs officially announced Thursday that he would be placed on injured reserve.
Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder provided more details on the injury Thursday. Simmons originally reported calf discomfort in August, but an MRI revealed the actual issue was a bulging disc in his back. After improving through rehabilitation, a later evaluation showed his recovery had plateaued.
The good news is that surgery is not currently recommended. Simmons, his family doctors and the Chiefs instead agreed that additional time away from the field and continued rehabilitation is the best course of action.
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Chiefs face another offensive line challenge
Simmons’ absence is particularly significant because Kansas City was hoping his return would stabilize the left side of the offensive line.
The Chiefs could also be without right tackle Jaylon Moore, who is dealing with a concussion after leaving Sunday’s win over the Chargers. Moore did not practice Wednesday and remains in the league’s concussion protocol.
That potentially leaves Kansas City needing to make multiple adjustments up front against a Seattle defense that will be looking to pressure Patrick Mahomes.
Simmons will miss at least four games because of the IR designation. For Kansas City, losing Simmons at this point is another setback for an offensive line that was finally hoping to get healthier.
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