Chiefs place left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve due to back disc injury

Kansas City placed rookie left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve after medical staff determined his back injury required additional rehabilitation time. The move follows a diagnosis of a bulging disc in his lower back, which was identified after Simmons reported calf discomfort that was traced to the spinal issue.

Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder said Simmons had returned to practice in a limited capacity but had plateaued in the rehab process, prompting the decision to keep him on IR to allow further recovery. Burkholder added that Simmons is not slated for surgery and will continue his rehab with the goal of returning to his previous performance level.

Simmons, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2025 draft, has appeared in eight games since joining the team. Undrafted rookie Kahliil Benson has started all five games at left tackle for the Chiefs this season.