Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid settles noise about Josh Simmons’ back injury with latest update following preseason Week 3
Andy Reid didn’t provide his typical postgame injury update, but he did speak on Kansas City Chiefs starting LT Josh Simmons’ back injury after preseason Week 3’s tie with the Seattle Seahawks.
Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid didn’t provide his typical postgame injury update after preseason Week 3’s tie with the Seattle Seahawks. He did, however, settle the noise surrounding one injury that’s been creating a lot of buzz recently.
Josh Simmons has missed recent practice time with a back injury. He recently sought a second opinion, and the reporting around it all has been dodgy at best. KC Star reporter Pete Sweeney asked Coach Reid about his level of optimism surrounding Simmons’ ability to return to practice.
“Yes,” Reid said. “It’s going to take a little bit of time here, but he’s a hard worker when it comes to these types of things. As long as it’s just a matter of eliminating some of the pain that he has and making sure he has enough strength there.”
With 17 days to go until Week 1 vs. the Denver Broncos, there’s more than enough time to get Simmons ready. That’s, of course, so long as it’s only a matter of pain management and strengthening his back. Reid says it’ll take a “little bit of time.” We’ll soon find out what that actually means for Simmons.
Chiefs suffer apparent injuries in preseason tie to Seahawks
There were two injuries during the game, including one that could have an impact on 53-man roster cuts. Chiefs CB Melvin Smith Jr. took a knee to the ribs on a tackle on defense. He was down on the field and needed attention during the game. While he walked off the field under his own power, Smith Jr. was ruled out of the game with a rib injury.
Smith Jr. is in the mix for a 53-man roster spot. An injury in preseason Week 3 could mean a trip to injured reserve. The team can place two players on injured reserve during 53-man roster cuts and designate them to return.
The other injury occurred late in the game, to UDFA RB E.J. Smith. He’s the son of Dallas Cowboys Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. He was hobbled after a tackle and limped off the field, grabbing at his right knee upon reaching the sideline. He was plagued by injuries during his college career, and this one is especially concerning.
Smith wasn’t the only running back to suffer an injury during the game. Emari Demercado was also down on the field after an awkward tackle by two Seahawks defenders.
With roster cuts on the horizon, we likely won’t hear much about these injuries moving forward. For players like E.J. Smith, he could be waived with the injury designation and revert to injured reserve. For others, this could be the end of the road for their time with Kansas City. For some, it may be an opportunity to land on IR-return. We’ll see what Brett Veach decides on Sunday, Aug. 30.
