Andy Reid finally breaks silence on Josh Simmons’ unexplained Chiefs absence that even left Patrick Mahomes stunned | NFL News
Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive lineman Josh Simmons has been missing from the team for two straight games, and now head coach Andy Reid has finally shared the real reason. Reid said on Thursday that Simmons has been away because he is “taking care of family.” He added that it is a positive situation and not anything bad. Simmons first missed the Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions due to what the team called a “personal” matter. He also did not play last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. Reid said the team has stayed in touch with him the whole time.
Andy Reid and Brett Veach continue to monitor Josh Simmons’ family situation
Andy Reid made it clear in his press conference that general manager Brett Veach is “handling everything” around Simmons’ absence. Reid said Simmons has been very responsible with communication but has still not returned to practice. The Chiefs have not placed him on the non-football injury list, which means they expect him back at some point.While attending the NFL owners’ meeting in New York earlier this week, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt was asked by ESPN reporter Kalyn Kahler about Josh Simmons’ situation. Hunt refused to give any details and said, “I really can’t comment.” Before this, Andy Reid had also declined to explain anything further, keeping everything private and only repeating that the team was aware and supportive.
Patrick Mahomes shares his reaction to Josh Simmons’ sudden disappearance
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he was surprised when Simmons was suddenly not there for the Detroit game. Patrick Mahomes said he found out during the team walk-through and could tell something unexpected had happened. It was also reported that Patrick Mahomes asked about Simmons but was told that even coaches did not have clear answers at that moment.Also Read: Patrick Mahomes’ Family Gesture Goes Viral Amid Negative Reviews Of 1587 Prime With Travis KelceWhen asked if he has spoken to Josh Simmons since then, Patrick Mahomes said he will keep that private but added that he is always “praying for all my teammates.”Josh Simmons is still unlikely to play on Monday night against the Washington Commanders, and he has not yet practiced. The Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills next week before heading into their bye week, and November 16 at Denver could be the earliest possible return for Simmons if everything goes well.
