In a season already fraught with challenges for the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line, the hits keep coming. On December 1, head coach Andy Reid provided a sobering update on rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, confirming what many fans had dreaded: a potentially season-altering wrist injury that could sideline the promising young lineman for an extended period.
Simmons, who had been impressing in his limited action, suffered the injury during the Chiefs’ recent matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Initial reports from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport painted a grim picture, revealing that Simmons had sustained a dislocated and fractured wrist. Rapoport followed up on November 28, noting that the injury was “significant” and that Simmons was likely headed to injured reserve (IR). While no official IR designation has been made yet, Reid’s comments during his press conference only amplified the concerns.
“The guys are working to get themselves healthy right now, and everybody is in the process,” Reid told reporters, as relayed by A-to-Z Sports Kansas City beat reporter Charles Goldman. “Josh [Simmons] is getting a second evaluation on his wrist, and we’ll just see what goes from there. And then other guys, Trey [Smith] and [Jawaan Taylor], all those guys are improving as we go forward here. We’ll see how they do here in the next couple of days.”
While Reid offered somewhat optimistic notes on guards Trey Smith and right tackle Jawaan Taylor—indicating they are progressing and could potentially suit up soon—the mention of a second opinion for Simmons is rarely a positive sign in the NFL. Second evaluations often precede confirmations of major injuries requiring surgery or long-term recovery. SI Now’s KC insider Matt Verderame echoed this sentiment on November 30, reporting that while Taylor’s triceps issue might not keep him out long-term, Simmons is expected to miss significant time.
The Chiefs’ actions speak louder than words. Ahead of their Week 14 clash with the Houston Texans, Kansas City worked out five free-agent offensive tackles on December 1, signaling a clear intent to bolster their line depth. According to The Athletic’s Jesse Newell and the NFL transaction log, the group included notable names like former Pittsburgh Steelers swing tackle Zach Banner, a 6-foot-8 veteran turning 32 later this month. Banner has 31 career appearances but hasn’t played since 2021 due to his own injury setbacks.
Joining him was Nicholas Petit-Frere, a 25-year-old former third-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, who started 28 of 34 games but struggled to live up to expectations. The workouts also featured 25-year-old Matt Waletzko (formerly of the Cowboys), 27-year-old D’Ante Smith, and 27-year-old Zachary Thomas— a mix of young talent and experienced journeymen that underscores the team’s urgency.
For a Chiefs squad aiming to defend their back-to-back Super Bowl titles, losing Simmons could be a devastating blow. The rookie had stepped up admirably, particularly in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. With the playoffs looming, Kansas City’s front office is now scrambling to patch the hole, but integrating a new tackle mid-season is no easy feat.
As the Chiefs prepare for the Texans, all eyes will be on the offensive line’s health. Taylor’s potential return offers some relief, but without Simmons, the unit’s cohesion could be tested. Fans can only hope the second opinion brings better news than anticipated—though, based on the reports, Kansas City’s worst fear seems all too real. Stay tuned for further updates as the team navigates this latest hurdle in their quest for another championship.