Chiefs' Josh Simmons remains absent from team, but there's 'communication'

Simmons hasn't been at training facility since Week 6

The Chiefs begin another week of game preparations without rookie left tackle Josh Simmons.

While Simmons remains absent from the team, coach Andy Reid on Thursday at least confirmed the reason why his starting left tackle isn’t around.

“There’s communication,” Reid said. “I’m not going to get into all of it; everything is positive.

“It’s not a negative situation, so he’s taking care of family.”

Reid didn’t go any further than the explanation on a family issue.

The head coach’s comments, however, are different from previous statements over the past two weeks where he deferred to general manager Brett Veach.

Simmons, whom the Chiefs selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has missed two straight games. His initial absence came on Oct. 12 against the Detroit Lions, followed by last week’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Chiefs have relied on tackle Jaylon Moore to start in Simmons’ place.

Moore, who signed a two-year deal to join the Chiefs during the offseason, has filled in admirably. He is once again on track to start a third straight game when the Chiefs host the Washington Commanders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday Night Football.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are also practicing Thursday without starting right guard Trey Smith and running back Kareem Hunt.

Reid said Smith, who didn’t finish Week 7’s game, is currently dealing with lower back spasms.

If Smith can’t play against the Commanders, the Chiefs are likely to turn to Mike Caliendo and the veteran has the team’s confidence.

“We’ve always looked at Mike as a starter,” Reid said. “I think all the guys do, coaches do, so everybody has the confidence that when he comes in, he just picks up and goes.”

Reid said Hunt has a bone bruise on his knee and didn’t sound too concerned.

“He’s going to be OK,” Reid said. “We’re having him sit out today.”