Andy Reid Provides Encouraging Update on Josh Simmons

What Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Friday.

Dec 8, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Josh Simmons has no official designation for Sunday’s game on the Chiefs’ injury report. He’s practiced in full all three days this week.

Whether the rookie returns to the starting lineup remains uncertain, although Andy Reid was cautiously optimistic.

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“Yeah, there's a chance,” Reid said after Friday’s practice, asked whether Simmons could start in his first game since Oct. 6. “Let me just see. And then you guys will know. There aren’t a lot of secrets in this business. But I just want to make sure I got all the bases covered before I say anything.”

Reid, who spoke from the podium after practice Friday, also provided encouraging news on Xavier Worthy and George Karlaftis. The Chiefs (5-4) will visit the Broncos (8-2) on Sunday (3:25 p.m. CT, CBS/KCTV, Channel 5, 96.5 The Fan).

To view his full press conference, watch and read below:

Opening statement:

“All right, the only person who didn't practice was (Isiah) Pacheco, so everybody else went and did a good job. Xavier (Worthy), I know, was on that list, and he's had an ankle that just, he just tweaked it a little bit. But he was good, good to go. He did everything today. No problem. Look forward to the challenge of playing Denver. Good football team, great environment. Our guys have had a good week of practice. So, we look forward to going up there.”

On the status of George Karlaftis (thumb), limited at practice this week:

“Yeah, George did a nice job. So, yeah, good.”

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) and linebacker Nick Bolton (32) tackle Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

On the status of rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, who returned to the team during the bye:

“Yeah, listen, he did go. I'm going to get with (Andy) Heck here and just go back. We’ll look at the video here and just make sure everything's okay there. But he did some good things, and I want to check with him first before I say anything here.”

On whether there’s a chance Simmons will start Sunday:

“Yeah, there's a chance. Let me just see. And then you guys will know. There aren’t a lot of secrets in this business. But I just want to make sure I got all the bases covered before I say anything.”

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is pressured to throw by Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa (57) in the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

On what he’s seen from his players this week to tell him they’re ready for an important game:

“Yeah, they've been good. I mean, they know Denver's a good football team. I think they look forward to that challenge. They've been good, worked hard, good practices.”

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