The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled with blindside protection for years. That's why getting Josh Simmons back on the team seemed to be the missing piece the franchise needed to return to the biggest stage this season.
The rookie offensive tackle looked the part in the first five games of the season. Unfortunately, an undisclosed family matter forced him to leave the team and miss the past five games. Now, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, he's finally back with the team.
Josh Simmons is Finally Back With The Chiefs
"Sources: Chiefs rookie LT Josh Simmons has returned to the team facility after missing the last four games to tend to a personal family matter," Schultz wrote on X. "Simmons started the first five games of the season and was outstanding. His return is a huge boost for Kansas City."
This is a much-welcomed sight, especially after watching the Buffalo Bills keep Patrick Mahomes on his toes and disrupt his rhythm in their 21-28 loss on Sunday. According to Pro Football Focus, Jaylon Moore, Simmons' replacement, gave up three sacks and 12 pressures in the last four games.
Moore held his own the best he could in Simmons' absence, but he's clearly not the player this team needs to keep Patrick Mahomes out of harm's way. The rookie out of Ohio State looked like a stud in the making, and he will have the bye week to get his legs back under him and on the same page with his fellow offensive linemen.
Through the first five games of the season, the No. 32 overall pick gave up just one sack and 12 pressures. He also had a Pro Football Focus grade of 71.2 as a pass-blocker, 55.0 in run-blocking, and a 63.9 Pro Football Focus overall grade.
Some things are bigger than football, and the Chiefs did the right thing by standing by their player's side through what we can only assume was a serious and delicate matter, which he will disclose -- or not -- as and when he pleases.
But now that the Chiefs are 5-4, there won't be much margin for error for the remainder of the season. Andy Reid's team will hit the road to square off with a Denver Broncos defense that's leading the league with 40.0 sacks, and having Simmons back on the field will be crucial to make sure they don't get to Mahomes as often as they will try.