Chiefs Rookie Simmons Returns After Family Absence

Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons expressed gratitude to the team and fans Wednesday for their support during his four-game absence due to a family matter, as he returned to practice and the lineup following a month away from football.

Simmons, the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, started the Chiefs' first five games before stepping away on the eve of their Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions. He missed contests against the Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills, during which the Chiefs went 3-1 with Jaylon Moore filling in at left tackle. The team listed his absence as non-injury related and described it only as a family situation, with head coach Andy Reid emphasizing Simmons' need to handle personal business.

In his first public comments since departing, Simmons declined to elaborate on the specifics. "I kind of want to keep that in house, all due respect," he said. "I want to keep that, you know, inside." He added that communication with the organization remained open, particularly toward the end of his time away, and that teammates frequently checked in despite their game schedules. "The team and I...