Chiefs' Josh Simmons 'further ahead' in recovery process, Andy Reid says

Simmons could participate in team drills during Phase III of offseason workout program

The Chiefs might be on track to get their prized 2025 first-round pick fully in the mix sooner than later.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Thursday provided an update on rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, who remains limited to individual position drills as the team opened Phase III of the offseason workout program.

“He’s actually further ahead than I thought he was,” Reid said.

While Reid pointed out training camp is the focus of Simmons’ participation in full team drills, the first-round pick’s current progress could result in an earlier timeline.

“We might be able to get something out of him in the team periods in Phase III here, so that’s a positive,” Reid said. “We weren’t expecting to be able to do that, but he’s really done a good job with his rehab stuff and the doctor that did his surgery did a nice job.”

Whether Simmons participates in team drills in the coming weeks, either during the rest of organized team activities (OTAs) or the three-day mandatory minicamp in mid-June, remains to be seen.

But Reid’s optimism provides a clear sign on how the Chiefs feel about Simmons while he recovers from a torn patellar tendon suffered in October 2024.

Nevertheless, the Chiefs shouldn’t feel a need to rush Simmons.

The team signed Jaylon Moore to a two-year contract during free agency, and it was believed Moore would be the starting left tackle before the NFL draft.

Moore is likely to continue lining up at left tackle until Simmons is fully healthy to compete.

And for that reason, it wouldn’t surprise if the original projection of Simmons’ return to team-related drills occurs later in the summer.

“I think for sure for (training) camp,” Reid said.

MISSING PIECES

Multiple players, such as tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Rashee Rice, right tackle Jawaan Taylor, wide receiver Marquis “Hollywood” Brown and right guard Trey Smith, were not present on the practice field.

OTAs, however, are voluntary, so a player’s absence shouldn’t be a big issue.

Additionally, Reid pointed to another reason some players were not present.

“We got a couple of people, they’re under the weather, so we were short a couple of guys today,” Reid said.