Josh Simmons’ Stellar Return Sparks Chiefs’ Offensive Line Dominance — Kansas City’s Stars Keep Chasing Glory, Not Awards

Josh Simmons’ Stellar Return Sparks Chiefs’ Offensive Line Dominance — Kansas City’s Stars Keep Chasing Glory, Not Awards

Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons made an encouraging return to the field Sunday, facing one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushes in the Denver Broncos. Simmons had been sidelined for four games due to injury, and there were questions about how he would handle a high-pressure matchup in his first game back.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Simmons for his performance, saying simply, “Josh held up really well, both physically and mentally. He practiced hard all week and showed poise against Denver’s elite pass rush. Jaylon stepped in admirably too — this Chiefs team’s depth and resilience are truly impressive.” Despite a few minor penalties that Reid said would be corrected, the rookie demonstrated poise and resilience against an elite defensive front, helping stabilize Kansas City’s offensive line.

“It was both [physical and mental],” Reid said of the decision to start Simmons. “He practiced well all week and felt good about it.” The coach emphasized that Simmons’ return was not just about being healthy but also about being mentally ready for the challenge, a standard Reid holds for all his players.

Simmons’ return adds depth and stability to a Chiefs offensive line that has seen rotation due to injury. His ability to step in and compete at a high level against Denver’s pass rush highlights his potential to become a key contributor this season. Reid’s confidence in the rookie is evident, reflecting the organization’s long-term investment in Simmons’ development.

Reid also spoke about the team’s approach to evaluating returning players, noting the balance between existing talent and opportunity. “We know we’ve got a good player in there now, and we know what Josh is capable of… So we’ll just see where we’re at when they get back,” Reid said, referencing Simmons and other linemen like Jaylon Moore.

Moore, who had stepped in during Simmons’ absence, also earned praise from Reid for his performance. “Asking him to step in after a few months of the season is challenging, but he handled it admirably against tough defenses,” Reid said.

The Chiefs now look ahead to their next game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. If Simmons continues to build on his strong return, Kansas City fans can feel optimistic about the stability and performance of their left tackle position for the stretch run of the season.