The Kansas City Chiefs secured another victory in Week 8, but they did so without stud rookie Josh Simmons. The Ohio State product last suited up for Kansas City in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as he stepped away from the team to deal with a personal matter soon after that contest.
With Simmons' status on everyone's mind, team owner/CEO Clark Hunt addressed the media to let them know that there was nothing to be worried about and the Chiefs expected Simmons to be back at some point this season:
"There's an understanding by both parties as to where he is, and we're hopeful to have him back with the team at some time in the future.” Hunt said of Simmons' situation, per KSHB.
It doesn't sound like Simmons will be back with the team in time to face the Buffalo Bills this coming Sunday. However, the Chiefs will have a bye after that important showdown, which may help with KC's hopes of getting the starting left tackle back in action.
Chiefs' Bye Comes at Perfect Time After Josh Simmons Return News
Assuming Simmons is away for the Buffalo matchup, the bye gives him even more space to tend to his personal matters. There's no concrete timeline for Simmons at the moment, but an extra two weeks (if he misses Week 9 and remains on leave during the Week 10 bye) after already being away could end up being the perfect amount of time needed before a possible return.
The bye also give members of KC's staff a chance to get a better understanding of when Simmons will be back, as there'll be no game preparation to worry about. The weekly demands of the grueling NFL season make it difficult to devote more time to matters like these, but the reprieve of a bye is the ideal time for the Chiefs to connect with the rookie and get a feel for where he's at, both personal- and football-wise.
He'll likely need some reps to get back to live-game speed given this extended time off, but Kansas City can prepare the right plan of attack once he's closer to rejoining this squad. In the meantime, veteran LT Jaylon Moore will continue to hold down the fort for at least another game and protect Mahomes' blindside.
The Chiefs will return from their bye with a tough divisional matchup with the Denver Broncos' defense, and having Simmons back on the field would be crucial as KC looks to pull ahead in the AFC West race.