Chiefs Rookie Josh Simmons Returns After Four-Game Absence — Teammates and Coaches Join Him in Surprise Practice on Day Off
The Kansas City Chiefs received a much-needed lift this week as rookie left tackle Josh Simmons officially returned to the facility after missing four games for personal reasons. But what happened next showed exactly why the locker room holds him in such high regard.
Taken 32nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Simmons quickly became a cornerstone on Kansas City’s offensive line, starting all five of his early-season games. His sudden absence before Week 6 against the Detroit Lions — reportedly to handle family matters in California — left a noticeable void in both protection and team spirit.
Head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach stayed quiet about the details, confirming only that the rookie was “taking care of family” and that the situation was “entirely positive.” Patrick Mahomes, meanwhile, said he had spoken privately with Simmons and was “always praying for him.”
When Simmons returned to Kansas City, he didn’t take a moment to rest — he went straight to the practice field, even though it was a scheduled day off for players. According to team sources, the rookie arrived early, suited up, and began drills and film review before anyone else.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Upon hearing he was back, several teammates and members of the coaching staff — including veterans who didn’t have mandatory duties that day — decided to join him at the facility to show support and train alongside him.
“It was one of those moments that reminds you what kind of culture we have here,” one staffer shared. “Josh showed up on his own, ready to work. Then guys just started rolling in — not because they had to, but because they wanted to lift him up.”
Now, as the Chiefs enter their bye week with a 5–4 record, Simmons’ return represents more than just a roster boost. It’s a story of unity and accountability — a rookie proving his commitment, and a team proving that brotherhood doesn’t take days off.
Mac Jones has been playing quite well in relief of Brock Purdy for the 49ers and on Sunday traveled across the country to New York to take on the Giants. He stayed in a groove in the first half of the game—but was left with quite a nosebleed after taking a shot to the face.
Jones completed all 14 of his passes in the first half and got San Francisco out to a 14-7 lead. Late in second quarter the Niners had the ball again and were trying to extend the lead. Jones dropped back to pass but got sacked by New York’s Rakeem Nunez-Roches. When Jones popped back up the CBS cameras revealed he was bleeding profusely; replay showed the quarterback took an inadvertent shot to the face while attempting to navigate the pocket before getting taken down.
Not the prettiest sight. But Jones didn’t take a play off. He dropped back to pass again on the next play and found Christian McCaffrey for just enough yards to get into field goal position.
Now he’s fighting through a bloody nose to boot. What a year for Jones. The Niners entered the locker room with a 17-7 lead over the Giants at Metlife Stadium.