The mysterious absence of first-round draft pick Josh Simmons from the Kansas City Chiefs will apparently continue into a second week. The rookie offensive lineman has been ruled out of Sunday’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While the Chiefs have not provided any timeline for Simmons’ return after he left the team due to what coach Andy Reid described as a “personal” situation, the team faces a looming decision. They will likely need to determine how to formally handle the 22-year-old’s absence before kickoff against the Raiders. This decision will offer the first tangible clue about how long the Chiefs believe Simmons will need to resolve the issue that prompted his departure.
### Veach Must Make NFI Decision on Simmons
Public details about the nature of Simmons’ situation have been scarce. If Reid and the Chiefs players know the reasons behind the rookie’s departure ahead of last Sunday night’s game against the Detroit Lions, they have chosen not to disclose them. The team’s commitment to preserving Simmons’ privacy is understandable. However, the Chiefs also have a football roster to manage, and with Simmons absent, they are currently playing shorthanded and cannot fill his roster spot.
This means that general manager Brett Veach—whom Reid said is handling the situation—must decide whether to place Simmons on the NFL’s Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. Adding Simmons to the NFI list would render him ineligible to return for at least four games from the date of placement.
“If it will be an extended absence for Simmons, Veach could consider placing him on the league’s NFI list,” wrote Kansas City Star Chiefs correspondent Pete Sweeney on Friday. “The move would open up a roster spot, which Kansas City could use to elevate tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick from the practice squad or sign a free agent.”
### Move Will Indicate Duration of Simmons’ Absence
“Look for the Chiefs to send their first real message on the Josh Simmons situation this afternoon,” reported Outkick reporter Bobby Burack on Saturday morning. “If the team believes he will be out a while, today would be the day to put him on NFI. If they don’t put him on NFI, it’d suggest they think he could return shortly.”
As of 8 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, the Chiefs had not announced any formal move to add Simmons to the NFI list. Nor had they provided any indication regarding a decision to keep him off the list.
Since Simmons is already ruled out for Sunday’s game, placing him on the NFI list before kickoff would free up a spot on the 53-man roster. This would allow the Chiefs to face the Raiders with a full squad. However, it would also mean Simmons is guaranteed to miss the team’s next three games against the Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos.
### Jaylon Moore Pressed Into Service
If the Chiefs decide not to add Simmons to the NFI list, it could indicate they expect the rookie to resolve his “personal” situation soon. This approach would suggest the team is willing to forgo Simmons for this week, anticipating he might return before the October 27 Monday Night Football game against Washington.
In the offseason, the Chiefs signed veteran offensive lineman Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract. Although Moore was brought in as an experienced free agent, Simmons quickly surpassed him and earned the majority of playing time at the left tackle position.
The ongoing situation leaves the Chiefs navigating roster decisions carefully as they hope for Simmons’ timely return to strengthen their offensive line.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/josh-simmons-nfi-list-decision/
