Clark Hunt expresses optimism Josh Simmons will return to the Chiefs
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs owner Clark Hunt says he expects rookie tackle Josh Simmons to return.
- Simmons has missed since mid‑October under a 'personal' designation; team cites privacy.
- Jaylon Moore started in Simmons' stead and allowed eight pressures over 119 pass snaps.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons missed his third straight game Monday night against the Washington Commanders, extending an absence from the team that began in mid-October.
Before the game, Chiefs owner and CEO Clark Hunt echoed head coach Andy Reid’s comments earlier in the week that the team has been in recent communication with Simmons.
“It’s not something I can go into, but it is a private family matter,” Hunt said. “We’ve had good communication with him, and there’s an understanding by both parties as to where he is. We’re hopeful to have him back with the team at some time in the future.”
When asked if he felt optimistic about Simmons’ eventual return, Hunt did not hesitate.
“I do,” Hunt said. “I do feel pretty good.”
Hunt did not provide an exact timeline for that expectation, nor has the team. The Chiefs travel to Buffalo Sunday to take on the Bills in Week 9.
Simmons was expected to play in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions but was eventually ruled out, listed with the “personal” designation. He has since missed every practice and game under the same label.
The Chiefs selected Simmons with the No. 32 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. In early May, he signed his four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $14.7 million.
Under the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Simmons would only be subject to forfeit compensation if Kansas City placed him on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list — and that unlikely decision would be up to the club. That move would also require Simmons to miss a minimum of four games.
In his absence, veteran free-agent addition Jaylon Moore has played capably, allowing only eight quarterback pressures over 119 pass-blocking snaps during his three starts, per Pro Football Focus.
Moore is expected to make his fourth straight start Sunday against the Bills.
