Chiefs' 'super talented' Josh Simmons impressing during training camp
Note, observations from Day 9 of training camp
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons looks the part of a starter.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Simmons has the talent and size, after all.
More important, however, as the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming regular season, Simmons has lined up with the starting front five since training camp opened.
And Simmons has done nothing but impress during each practice session.
“The glimpse of athleticism is rare; it is special,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “I like his mental right now, where he is at mentally.”
Nagy proceeded to shower more praise on the Chiefs’ first-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, pointing out what the observing media and fans don’t see when the team heads up the hill to the indoor training facility.
“You know, we all see what goes on out here in practice, but then we take it to walk-thru inside,” Nagy said. “He is so laser focused and understanding from (offensive line coach Andy) Heck on maybe there’s a mistake or a mental where his assignment-wise, he doesn’t go to the right spot, so we repeat it and go through it. He cannot have enough of those.
“Physically, he is super talented. It’s the mental side, and it is the communication part with the left guard and the rest of the O-line, but I really like where he is at, and he is a true pro right now and this is just the beginning.”
Defensive end Mike Danna, who has lined up against Simmons during training camp, echoed Nagy’s evaluation.
“I think he is a hell of an athlete, man,” Danna said “He has a bright future. The sky is the limit for him.
“You know, he comes in day in, day out, physical, athletic. It is great to see him working in with the ones and seeing him compete every single day. The guy comes to work every single day, and he is a tough competitor.”
For his part, Simmons expressed delight after Friday’s practice for being on the football field less than a full year recovered from a patellar tendon injury.
“Really nice,” he said. “Just playing football, like, time is slow. It’s therapy, so I’m glad to be back.”
That Simmons is at this point of his young career is remarkable, of course.
The Chiefs took a gamble by using a first-round pick on Simmons knowing he was still in the recovery process from the October 2024 injury, but the team had faith in their medical staff’s predraft evaluation.
And the team’s confidence has paid off.
Simmons worked hard on his rehabilitation during organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp to set the stage for training camp, much to the amazement of his teammates.
“You could tell all of OTAs it was something he was working nonstop on it,” center Creed Humphrey said. “Making sure he was getting healthy as quick as he could, so that was awesome to see.
“He’s moving really well, playing really well right now. He seems to be fully healthy, and he’s getting after it, so it has been a lot of fun to see.”
In the meantime, Simmons said he hasn’t experienced any issues with his surgically repaired knee.
He also knows he has the rest of training camp and three preseason games to prove he’s indeed the starter at left tackle when the regular season kicks off, barring a setback.
But so far, so good, as he immerses himself in absorbing the offense and identifying defensive schemes he will see on gamedays.
“Right now, is really understanding defenses,” Simmons said. “That way I can play a lot faster. Like, if I can see a front and anticipate that they may do a stunt or a blitz or a d-end might drop, then I can easily communicate with (left guard) Kinglsey Suamataia, and stuff like that.”
BACK TO PADS
The Chiefs returned Friday morning to the practice field after an off day, and the players were in full pads for the fourth time of training camp.
And the weather conditions, which were in the high 60s, low 70s in the morning hours, were much cooler when compared to the heat and humidity from earlier in the week.
“The guys have worked hard, done a nice job,” coach Andy Reid said after practice. “Today, they caught a break with the weather. Nice and cool for them. They were flying around. It was good to see both sides of the ball making plays.”
WIDE RECEIVER UPDATES
Hollywood Brown (ankle) and Skyy Moore (hamstring) did not practice.
Their absences opened the door for rookie Jalen Royals and Tyquan Thornton to see more repetitions with the first-team offense. Both players have already been working with the starting unit, and the increased time will only boost their stock ahead of roster cuts.
Xavier Worthy (head) was back to work after being cleared from concussion protocol.
“It ended up not being a concussion,” Reid explained. “We had the NFL involved with the clearing and our docs. He had a little liquid in his ear, and they took care of that.”
Worthy suffered the head injury during Tuesday’s practice and didn’t work Wednesday.
ROSTER MOVES
The Chiefs signed defensive backs Azizi Hearn and Ajani Carter, and wide receiver Key’Shawn Smith.
To make room on the roster, the Chiefs waived defensive backs Darius Rush and Eric Scott with injury designations.
The Chiefs on Wednesday waived punter Eddie Czaplicki, signaling Matt Araiza won the starting punter job.
PARTICIPATION
Rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (ankle) was back to work on the practice field after missing time.
Cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee, PUP list), rookie tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring), safety Deon Bush (hamstring) continue to miss on-field work.
Linebacker Drue Tranquill (back) left practice with a strained back.
