Josh Simmons, drafted 32nd overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, came on top, securing a spot on the roster in every game this season. Yet there has been speculation about where the superstar rookie tackle has disappeared. He was tagged questionable, reportedly, after being called sick two weeks ago, hours before the game. The story breaks as a shocker not just for fans but also for the Chiefs. During week 6, Patrick Mahomes did not notice his protection was missing until he was in the locker room. 

Bobby Burack of OutKick has posted, “Forget that he is a superstar rookie protecting the best QB in the NFL. This timeline is eerie for Simmons as a person. And the fact that none of the reports have said what is going on adds another scary twist to it.”

In a similar turn of events, Simmons made another quiet move, adding to the twist of his disappearance. Reportedly, he deleted his Instagram and went off grid. A prominent athlete wiping his digital footprint raises eyebrows towards underlying concerns.  

Hours before the Chiefs’ game, he was marked out for “personal reasons,” according to Simmons’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Reportedly, some coaches didn’t even know where he was. General Manager Brett Veach is now managing the situation. The uncertainty will possibly lead to roster changes to the consistent left tackle. 

The silence around the whereabouts of Simmons has left fans and players alike baffled. Especially from Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid, who has never been in such a situation. 

Josh Simmons absence puts Mahomes and Reid in the spotlight

Backup left tackle Jaylon Moore has filled in for Simmons in his absence. Simmons reportedly left and returned to his home in California. When asked, Andy Reid about where his left tackle was. He chose not to answer and just nodded his head in denial.

Mahomes, uncertain and concerned, said, “I’m praying for him. I’ll keep our conversations private.”

His performance included 224 pass-blocking snaps and 90 run-blocking snaps. Despite allowing one sack and committing three penalties, Simmons earned an impressive 87.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in Week 2. 

According to Nate Taylor, “Josh Simmons is in California, left at a time on Sunday that is extremely unusual. I’m not sure when he’s coming back, and as of right now, the team doesn’t know when he’s coming back.”

Simmons played for San Diego State and Ohio State. He started all 13 games in 2022 for the Aztecs and all 13 games in 2023 for the Buckeyes. In time, Simmons will share his story about the need to get away from the team that cares about him. Andy Reid’s silence spoke volumes about the relationship they share on a personal level. And no matter how long, just as Burack, we hope for his safety and well-being before coming back on the field.