The Kansas City Chiefs are keeping things quiet about starting left tackle Josh Simmons, but everyone around the team is saying the situation is serious.
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Simmons missed Sunday night's win over the Lions because of what the team called a "personal issue." He was ruled out just hours before kickoff, hasn't practiced since, and remains away from the team. Head coach Andy Reid declined to discuss details, saying questions should go to general manager Brett Veach.
NFL star Patrick Mahomes spoke briefly about his rookie lineman this week, saying he's "praying for Josh." That comment alone suggested the situation goes beyond football.
ESPN's Nate Taylor added some context Thursday on 96.5 The Fan's Fescoe and Dusty show.
"When Patrick Mahomes said he's praying for Josh Simmons, I think we all need to take that cue from the quarterback," Taylor said. "I'm fearful, I guess, is probably the best way I can explain what I've heard. Hopefully we'll know more in the coming days."
Taylor described the situation as "extremely serious," adding that the "illness" that landed Simmons on the Week 5 injury report against Jacksonville may have been connected to the current issue.
"Based on what I learned yesterday, I almost came away more impressed with how he's performed over the last couple weeks before any of this became a greater situation," Taylor said. "This is extremely serious."
The Chiefs drafted Simmons 32nd overall out of Ohio State, where he was known for his toughness and talent. For now, though, his return to football is uncertain — and the team's focus is clearly on his well-being.
