Josh Simmons Remained Sidelined With Back Injury

The Kansas City Chiefs tackle has missed four games while rookie Kahlil Benson filled the role.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Josh Simmons Remained Sidelined With Back Injury

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Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons has missed the first four games of the 2026 NFL season due to a bulging disk in his lower back. While he avoids surgery, the organization continues to manage his recovery through daily strength exercises.

Why it matters

The injury has significantly impacted the strength in Simmons' leg, forcing the team to navigate the season's start without their primary left tackle. The Chiefs have not placed him on injured reserve, leaving his exact return to practice timeline uncertain.

Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson played 201 offensive snaps across his first three starts, allowing nine pressures and five quarterback hits. He surrendered zero sacks during this period while the team maintained an undefeated 4-0 record.

The players

Josh Simmons

He is a professional offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs who was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Kahlil Benson

He is an undrafted rookie offensive tackle who earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for his performance in September.

Andy Reid

He is the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and a two-time Super Bowl-winning leader in the NFL.

Nate Taylor

He is a journalist who provides coverage and analysis of the Kansas City Chiefs for a major sports publication.

The details

Kahlil Benson, who joined the team as a minicamp tryout player, has filled the vacancy left by the former No. 32 overall pick. The rookie's performance earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for September.

September 30, 2026: Andy Reid provided specific details on the injury status of Josh Simmons.
October 6, 2026: Nate Taylor highlighted the ongoing uncertainty regarding Simmons' return to the field.
October 12, 2026: The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 6 of the NFL season.

Season Trajectory

The emergence of an undrafted rookie in a starting role significantly alters the team's depth chart and long-term roster flexibility. This transition forces the coaching staff to re-evaluate their offensive line rotation as the team aims to maintain its perfect record through the season.

Kahlil Benson's immediate role as a starter confirms his fantasy relevance for teams tracking offensive line performance and sack-prevention metrics. His lack of sacks allowed over 201 snaps suggests continued stability in the tackle position for upcoming matchups.

The takeaway

Maintaining depth across the offensive line is crucial for sustaining a perfect start in a high-stakes professional season. Players recovering from back injuries must focus on consistent strength training to ensure a safe return to competitive play.