How is Chiefs rookie LT doing? Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes give early impressions
Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons continues to work on an accelerated timeline.
The Chiefs’ 2025 first-round pick, who fell to No. 32 partly because of a knee injury he suffered in October, was once again out with teammates during the individual periods of last week’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practice open to reporters.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid continued to speak highly of Simmons on Thursday, saying the Ohio State product was “actually further ahead than I thought he was” with his recovery.
“He’s done a good job (with) what we’ve seen,” Reid said. “We’ve just got to get him in with the defense against him.”
Everything is happening more quickly with Simmons, Reid admits, than he first believed it would in April.
The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month. He worked then without a brace on his knee.
OTA practices in the next two weeks could provide another milestone. Though Simmons has been held out of snaps that go live against a defense, Reid indicated KC “might be able to get something out of him in the team periods” if his progress continues.
“So that’s a positive. We weren’t expecting to be able to do that,” Reid said. “But he’s really done a good job with his rehab stuff, and the doctor that did his surgery did a nice job.”
After the Chiefs selected Simmons in late April, Reid initially said the left tackle’s specific injury required six months of recovery time. KC also felt more comfortable selecting Simmons because of team trainer Rick Burkholder’s history with similar knee issues in the past; for instance, former Philadelphia Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter missed the 2004 and 2005 seasons after tearing his patellar tendon, but then played five more NFL seasons after that.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also praised Simmons for his commitment, saying he’s often seen the rookie in the training room “to try to get back on that field as quickly as possible.”
“He looks great. He’s moving well,” Mahomes said. “He’s doing all the right things, and he’s working extremely hard.”
Mahomes, who tweeted out a smiley face emoji with sunglasses just after the Chiefs drafted Simmons, would certainly be in favor of some stability at left tackle. The Chiefs, in fact, have started five different left tackles in Mahomes’ five Super Bowl appearances: 2019 Eric Fisher, 2020 Mike Remmers, 2022 Orlando Brown Jr., 2023 Donovan Smith and 2024 Joe Thuney.
Simmons, even if healthy, is no guarantee to start. The Chiefs gave one of their top free-agent contracts this offseason to left tackle Jaylon Moore, who started at the position for the San Francisco 49ers last season following an injury to All-Pro Trent Williams.
“I think (general manager Brett) Veach and Coach Reid and all those guys, they brought in competition. And they want guys to go out there and be the best they can possibly be,” Mahomes said. “And I’m excited for us to get through training camp and get to go against our defensive line, which will be a really good defensive line, and it’ll be a great test for those guys to prepare for the season.”
Simmons, at 6 foot 5 and 310 pounds, was projected by many draft analysts as an early first-round pick before hurting his knee.
Mahomes said the rookie has been tough to miss when walking around the facility.
“He’s built like a left tackle,” Mahomes said. “I think that’s the biggest thing you see.”
