According to sources who witnessed the interaction, the situation began when Reid asked Simmons to take his feet off the furniture in the offensive meeting room. Simmons, a 2025 first-round draft pick, responded by stating he needed to sit in that position due to persistent pain in his back and hips. Reid subsequently directed the player to seek treatment from the athletic training staff if he was experiencing physical discomfort. The exchange continued until Mahomes intervened, echoing the head coach's instruction for Simmons to leave the room and address his injury. Simmons departed the meeting but remained at the team facility, later offering an apology to Reid and the team leadership for his handling of the situation.
Injury struggles and roster impact
The following day, the Chiefs officially placed Simmons on injured reserve due to a bulging, herniated disk in his lower back. While Simmons had missed practice on Wednesday, the team initially listed the absence as both back-related and personal. Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs' vice president of sports medicine and performance, clarified that the personal designation was provided to allow the player time to consult with his family and representatives regarding his rehabilitation path.
Simmons has faced a challenging start to his professional career, appearing in only eight of 22 possible games since being selected in the first round of the 2025 draft. His current back issue dates back to August, and despite a brief return to practice following the team's Week 5 bye, continued discomfort necessitated the move to injured reserve. He is now required to miss a minimum of four games, making him eligible to return no earlier than the November 22 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
With Simmons sidelined, the Chiefs continue to rely on undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to protect the blindside. The team faces further adjustments on the offensive line for their upcoming Sunday night game against the Seattle Seahawks, as veteran right tackle Jaylon Moore is unavailable due to a concussion. Joshua Ezeudu is set to step into the starting role at right tackle in Moore's absence.
