Chiefs’ Josh Simmons heads to IR. Here’s how that changes KC’s O-line vs. Texans
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs placed rookie LT Josh Simmons on injured reserve after wrist surgery.
- Backup mix features Morris, Suamataia, Humphrey, Caliendo and Moore at OL.
- Chiefs expect to emphasize quick releases, runs and pocket protection vs Texans.
Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons has undergone successful surgery to repair the fractured wrist and dislocation he suffered during Kansas City’s 31-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.
The Chiefs have placed Simmons on injured reserve.
“The kid loves to play football,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He’s down about that part, but he’s upbeat — the surgery went well, which was a real positive, so he feels good about that, and then it’s just a matter of coming back.
“He did a great job with his knee coming back. He’s a worker, so whatever he can do to rehab it, he’s going to do. That’s just how he rolls.”
Reid wouldn’t commit to a recovery timeline for Simmons, but he did not rule out a potential postseason return, should the Chiefs make it to the playoffs.
The loss of Simmons arrives at a difficult time for the Chiefs, who are already dealing with multiple injuries across the offensive line. Up next is the vaunted Houston Texans’ front, which features two pass rushers — Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter — who have already tallied more than 10 sacks apiece this season.
As Simmons heads to injured reserve, neither right guard Trey Smith (ankle) nor right tackle Jawaan Taylor (triceps) was expected to practice Wednesday. Veteran Mike Caliendo started in place of Smith at right guard against the Cowboys.
Reid outlined his plans for the tackle position if Taylor, like Simmons, is unavailable.
“We’ll see what happens with the injured guys first,” Reid said, “but (Jaylon Moore) would probably be at the right tackle and Wanya (Morris) at the left if that’s the way it went.”
Against Dallas on Thanksgiving, Moore took over for Taylor at right tackle after his injury, and Morris came in at left tackle for Simmons. In 25 pass-blocking snaps, Moore allowed six pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Morris allowed two in 17 snaps.
The challenge grows against Houston, where — left to right — the Chiefs appear to be looking at Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Caliendo and Moore.
“The (backups) have played,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “We’ll go through the week and see where we’re at with the guys that are a little banged up.
“But you’ve give the respect where it’s deserved — and (the Texans) have a great defensive line and so we’ll try to do the best we can (to) get the ball out of my hand, running the football and then whenever there’s shots down the field, you’ve got to be able to hit them — staying in the pocket, making those throws against a really good defense.”
Practice-squad offensive lineman Esa Pole, who returned to the Chiefs in October after being cut as a roster casualty, will now take Simmons’ spot on KC’s 53-man active roster.
“We thought we saw some talent there,” Reid said of Pole. “He knows the scheme, obviously, and we thought there with some growth. He could be a guy who works in somewhere.”
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 1:25 PM.
