Chiefs' rookie left tackle Josh Simmons now back, committed to team

Personal reasons kept Simmons away for four games

Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons on Wednesday made his first appearance with the media since returning to the team in time for Week 11.

Simmons opened his news conference by thanking the Chiefs organization for having his back during a four-game absence, which stretched from Weeks 6-9.

The Chiefs said Simmons was gone for personal/family reasons during the span but didn’t provide specifics on the circumstances.

Given the opportunity to explain what pulled him away from the team, Simmons also declined to give details.

“Kind of want to keep that in-house,” Simmons said. “All due respect, that’s kind of something I want to keep, you know, inside.”

Nevertheless, the rookie made it clear he is committed to the team for the remainder of the season.

“Absolutely,” Simmons said. “I will be here the rest of the year.”

The time away apparently didn’t affect Simmons’ physical ability to resume his role as the starting left tackle in Week 11’s matchup against the Denver Broncos.

While he admitted to some rust, Simmons said he was able to stay in shape during his absence because he had access to gyms.

Moreover, Simmons pointed out that he had access to the playbook, which allowed him to remain updated on what the Chiefs’ offense called for.

Simply put, football and Chiefs games were not a distraction while he dealt with his personal issues.

“Wherever I was, I was making sure I was watching the game, tuning in or keeping up with who we were going against the next week or something like that,” Simmons said. “So, it wasn’t a distraction at all. I knew exactly I was going to come back and be ready.”

Ultimately, Simmons’ absence is in the rear-view mirror, and he will be with the team for the rest of the season.

The Chiefs can now look forward knowing Simmons has the Denver game under his belt.

“His effort, attitude and everything was great,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He was able to keep everything focused back to the football part of it.

“He had to take care of business and he took care of it, and that’s where he’s at.”

PRACTICE REPORT

The Chiefs welcomed back running back Isiah Pacheco to the practice field. Pacheco had dealt with a knee injury that prevented him from playing in Week 9 and Week 11.

Starting left guard Kinglsey Suamataia (concussion protocol) didn’t practice Wednesday.

“He’s doing pretty good right now,” Reid said.

Wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle) also did not practice.