The Chiefs' offensive line got worked over by the Bills front in Sunday's 28-21 loss, but Kansas City might be getting a major piece back soon.
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Multiple reports say rookie left tackle Josh Simmons is back in the building on Monday. Simmons — a first-round pick in April — started the first five games of the season before stepping away for personal reasons.
He has missed the last four games and did not travel or practice during that stretch.
The timing matters. Kansas City has a bye in Week 10, giving Simmons extra time to get re-acclimated before the Week 11 matchup with the Broncos.
Jaylon Moore has been filling in at left tackle, and the Chiefs also saw right tackle Jawaan Taylor and left guard Kingsley Suamataia exit Sunday's loss with injuries. Sso getting Simmons back would be massive.
And this is not just a typical "personal matter." About a month ago, this story took a serious turn. Patrick Mahomes said he was "praying for Josh," which immediately signaled this was bigger than football.
ESPN's Nate Taylor later said on 96.5 The Fan that the situation was "extremely serious," and that the "illness" Simmons was listed with earlier in the year may have been connected.
Simmons was taken 32nd overall out of Ohio State, where he was praised for toughness and upside. For now, his return to Arrowhead is step one.
The Chiefs won't rush him, but simply having him back in the building is a very encouraging sign.
