The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into their Week 3 matchup against the Miami Dolphins with some uncertainty surrounding their offensive line, particularly left tackle Josh Simmons.
Chiefs Senior Team Reporter Matt McMullen provided Wednesday’s injury report ahead of the matchup with Miami. Simmons was once again listed as a non-participant, as he remained out of practice while continuing his recovery from the back issue.
During his Wednesday press conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided a positive update on Simmons’ condition. Though Simmons was not ready to practice that day, Reid indicated that Simmons is making progress and that the team plans to gradually work him back into football activities.
“Josh [Simmons] won't practice today. He is getting better, but he won't go today. Tomorrow, he's gonna do some stuff. Ready to gonna ease him back in to the next Reid said.
Simmons was not the only Chiefs player dealing with an injury situation. Chris Jones, L’Jarius Sneed, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and Chamarri Conner were all limited during Wednesday’s practice as the team prepared for its upcoming game.
Simmons initially suffered the back injury late in training camp and has remained away from practice since then. Still, there is some reason for optimism surrounding his situation. The Chiefs opted against placing him on injured reserve, suggesting the team believed his recovery timeline would allow him to return without requiring an extended absence.
The Chiefs had kept Simmons out of their final two preseason games as a precaution, expecting the young tackle to recover in time for the start of the regular season. However, his back issue lasted longer than the team initially anticipated and ultimately prevented him from playing in Kansas City’s Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos and its following game against the Indianapolis Colts.