The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a much-needed bye week, which helped them to regroup. The Chiefs have a massive AFC West contest against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, which is led by their dominant defense, meaning head coach Andy Reid & Co. will take any help they can get.
Left tackle Josh Simmons missed four games for Kansas City due to a personal matter, but the Chiefs are leaving the door open for his return in Week 11. When Reid spoke to the media on Friday (h/t @pgsween), he said there's a "chance" Simmons will play against Denver. Reid added he wants to watch the film and speak with offensive line coach Andy Heck before deciding.
Andy Reid Gives Hope of Josh Simmons' Chiefs Return
Simmons returned to practice for the first time in several weeks on Wednesday, but the Chiefs didn't guarantee his starting spot. While that isn't due to his skill set, it seems that Kansas City wants to see how he responds in practice before throwing him out against a monster Broncos' defense front.
Denver is first in the NFL in team sacks (46), so the Chiefs want to make sure whoever is out there can give them the best chance to perform. Before going down, the rookie seemed to be getting into a rhythm and looked the part of a franchise left tackle.
According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons has a 63.9 overall grade and a 71.2 pass-blocking grade in 2025. In his last two games, he logged a 73 overall grade or better and a 74 pass-blocking grade or higher. This season, he has given up just one sack, which is major when protecting Patrick Mahomes.
The Ohio State product was listed as a full participant in every practice this week, which is a nice step forward for his return.
During Simmons' absence, Jaylon Moore stepped in and played fairly well. In 173 pass-blocking snaps, he has given up three sacks, with a 69 overall grade, 64.6 pass-blocking grade, and a 66.8 run-blocking grade on PFF. The Chiefs gave him a two-year, $30 million deal in free agency and felt comfortable rolling with him as the starter before Simmons fell to them in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
The decision they make at left tackle will be a massive choice, but with Simmons back in the fold, it shouldn't be a shocker to see the 22-year-old back out there. He's the future at the position, and if he didn't have to step away to handle his personal matter, he would still be the starter at left tackle.
Nonetheless, it's a good problem to have, as Kansas City has two left tackles it feels comfortable with.