EmailPrintThe Kansas City Chiefs have placed left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve, further delaying his return from a bulging disk in his lower back.Simmons, the Chiefs' first-round pick in 2025, has not played this season and has been unable to practice with his teammates since Aug. 17."Josh worked his tail off and was diligent every day," head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters Thursday. "However, we feel he's plateaued in the rehab process. He's just not there yet."Burkholder said Simmons still doesn't need surgery as part of his recovery.The injured reserve move means the earliest Simmons could play this season is Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 22.Since selecting Simmons in the draft, the Chiefs have played more games without him (14) than with him (eight). The Chiefs have had Kahlil Benson, an undrafted rookie from Indiana, start in Simmons' absence this season.
