Why Josh Simmons Was Told to Leave Meeting by Mahomes, Reid Revealed in New Chiefs Rumors

A tense exchange between Josh Simmons and head coach Andy Reid preceded the Kansas City Chiefs placing the second-year offensive tackle on injured reserve, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

On Wednesday, Simmons "was sitting with his feet up in the offense's meeting room when Reid asked him to put his feet down."

"Simmons pushed back by telling Reid he had to sit that way because his back and hips were aching, according to sources, per Garafolo and Rapoport. "Reid then instructed Simmons to get treatment from the athletic trainers if he was indeed in pain."

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also told Simmons he should leave the meeting.

The 2025 first-round pick exited the room and later apologized to Reid and his teammates.

Kansas City placed Simmons on injured reserve Thursday.

Simmons' rookie season was cut short due to a fractured wrist. A bulging disk in his back has prevented him from suiting up at all in 2026, and his IR designation means he'll be sidelined until at least Week 11.

Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters this week the 23-year-old "worked his tail off" in trying to get healthy.

"He worked diligently with my staff every day and has improved to point where he could return to practice in a limited capacity last week," Burkholder said. "However, we feel like he's plateaued in the rehab process as he's trying to get to the final steps of recovery with the return to competition. He's just not there yet."

The Chiefs staked a lot on Simmons. Offensive tackle was one of their biggest positional needs heading into the 2025 NFL draft, and they seemingly addressed that with the former Ohio State standout.

Instead, Kansas City finds itself using Kahlil Benson, an undrafted rookie, as the starting left tackle. That's going to remain the case for four more weeks and perhaps beyond that.