Chiefs Receive Update on Josh Simmons; Andy Reid Considering Placing Rookie on Long-Term Absence List

Kansas City, Missouri – October 23, 2025

Uncertainty continues to surround rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who has now missed two consecutive weeks of team activities without a clear explanation. The Kansas City Chiefs, according to multiple team sources, have received a preliminary internal report regarding Simmons’ absence — and head coach Andy Reid acknowledged on Wednesday that the organization is considering placing the former first-round pick on the long-term absence list if the situation remains unresolved.

Simmons, 22, was drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State and appeared in five games before vanishing from the active roster. Initially listed as missing practice due to “personal reasons,” he was later removed from the official injury report altogether, prompting widespread speculation among reporters and fans.

In recent days, multiple outlets have reported that Simmons is under internal review for a potential violation of the NFL’s banned-substance policy, though no formal action has been taken by either the league or the Chiefs. One teammate — a reserve player who requested anonymity — told The Kansas City Star that he once noticed Simmons with “a half-burned piece of paper in his pocket” during practice, describing him as “nervous and distracted”. The player added that he didn’t think much of it at the time but grew concerned after Simmons stopped showing up to team meetings.

BREAKING: Josh Simmons allegedly suffering from opioid drug addiction according to /nfl/ source. Sad to see this type of thing in our league@NFL @Chiefs @NFL_DovKleiman @_MLFootball pic.twitter.com/XUF25GGJqh

— Joe Flacco Fu Manchu (@ManchuJoe) October 23, 2025

When asked about the allegations, Coach Reid declined to confirm details but didn’t rule out disciplinary action if the investigation substantiates the claims.

“Right now, we’re gathering all the facts,” Reid said. “If any of this turns out to be true, we won’t hesitate to take the necessary steps for the good of the team. But I also want to be clear — Josh is part of our family. We’ll support him as long as he’s willing to do the right things.”

The Chiefs have not placed Simmons on injured reserve or the commissioner’s exempt list yet, but team officials say both options remain “on the table” depending on what the league’s review uncovers.

For now, the organization is staying quiet, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes reiterating that he’s “praying for his teammate.”

The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the NFL and the Chiefs continue to assess Simmons’ status heading into Week 8.