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Simmons, who was selected by the Chiefs in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has yet to make an appearance this season. His last involvement with the team on the practice field occurred on August 17, and he has been sidelined ever since. By moving him to injured reserve, the organization ensures he will miss at least the next several weeks of action.
Rehabilitation Stalls for First-Round Pick
Addressing the media on Thursday, head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder provided insight into the decision, noting that the medical staff and the player had reached a point where further progress was not being made. Despite the setback, Burkholder confirmed that the injury does not currently require surgical intervention, and the team remains focused on a non-surgical recovery path.
Burkholder praised the rookie's commitment to his recovery, stating that Simmons had been diligent and worked extremely hard throughout the process. However, the medical team concluded that he had plateaued, necessitating the move to injured reserve to allow for more time without the pressure of an immediate return to play.
Impact on the Chiefs Offensive Line
The absence of the first-round talent has been a significant narrative for the Chiefs this season. Since drafting Simmons, the team has navigated 14 games without him, compared to only eight games where he was available. In his stead, the coaching staff has relied on undrafted rookie
Under the current NFL rules regarding injured reserve, Simmons is ineligible to return to the active roster for a minimum of four games. This timeline means the earliest he could potentially be cleared for game action is the Week 11 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, scheduled for November 22. The team will continue to monitor his status as he undergoes further treatment, hoping for a breakthrough in his recovery before the final stretch of the season.
