Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides latest injury updates on Josh Simmons, Chris Jones after Wednesday practice
The Kansas City Chiefs have injury updates as the practice week begins, including updates on DT Chris Jones and LT Josh Simmons.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is back into his typical weekly practice injury update habits.
With the Chiefs returning to practice for the next two days before a quick break, coach Reid spoke to media members about the injuries the team is currently facing. It all started with some of the newest players who have had a bit of a whirlwind after joining the team via waiver claims or practice squad signings. They were introduced at the team’s kickoff luncheon a day ago. In addition, one player left practice mid-practice because of illness.
“As far as the injuries go, a couple of the new guys, I think the travel caught up to them today. So they (didn’t practice),” Reid said. “Everybody else was out there doing their thing. Kingsley (Suamataia) was sick, so that’s why he came out.”
As for some of the bigger names left off of Reid’s initial report, Chiefs starting defensive tackle Chris Jones sat out of Wednesday’s practice session. According to Reid, Jones is dealing with a back injury, but it is not expected to keep him on the sideline long. From what I understand, it likely amounts more to veteran rest.
“Yes, Chris (Jones),” Reid said. “Likewise, Chris, his back was bothering him, so we kept him out. He’ll be alright, though.”
Josh Simmons remains sidelined with a back injury
The big question that everyone is still wondering ahead of Week 1 against the Denver Broncos is whether or not starting left tackle Josh Simmons will be healthy enough to play. Simmons has not participated in practices since the final week of training camp. He missed preseason work, and with Kansas City returning to practice on Wednesday, Sept. 2, Simmons is still not back on the practice field.
“He had the back checked, and there’s a spot in there that flared up, and now you’ve got to sit here and wait until that thing comes down,” Reid said. “He’s been here working out and doing it, or doing the rehab stuff. So, we’ll just see where it goes.”
Simmons had his back checked out by a specialist, and the results don’t seem conclusive regarding any long-term injury. However, the team has to wait for that back injury to heal. Back injuries are one of the more fickle injuries in the NFL. Right now, the work they’re doing in practice doesn’t require Simmons to be out on the field.
Simmons’s absence is creating reps for new additions
In fact, Simmons’s absence is giving new players like offensive tackles Diego Pounds and Joshua Ezeudu valuable reps as they learn a new offense and system in Kansas City. It’s also giving Kahlil Benson more opportunities.
“The other guys are doing a nice job in there,” Reid said. “So, you got to see the linemen that were in there, and so it was good to see our guys roll without Josh (Simmons) in there, but it was also good to see the new guys get a practice in, too.”
Both Pounds and Ezeudu were acquired via trades during the 53-man roster cutdown deadlines. So, this practice time is critical for their development and integration into the Chiefs’ offensive line.
When should Chiefs fans start worrying?
My personal take on the Simmons situation is that while there is a lot of anxiety in Chiefs Kingdom right now about his status, fans don’t need to worry until we get into the practice week ahead of Week 1 against Denver. If Simmons is not practicing on Thursday, Sept. 10, that is when you have to start sounding the alarms. As for who might play in Week 1 if Simmons is unable to? Coach Reid wouldn’t reveal the team’s backup left tackle, but said he had a “pretty good idea” in mind.
