Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons looks set to return to Kansas City’s starting lineup this weekend following a mysterious four-game absence.
The left tackle has not played since Week 5, with coach Andy Reid previously revealing that Simmons was ‘taking care of family.’
Simmons returned to the team this week, though, and Reid told reporters on Friday that ‘there’s a chance’ he starts on Sunday against the Broncos.
The coach also said moments before that he wanted to ‘check with him first before I say anything.’
The first-round pick practiced this week and is not on the team’s final Week 11 injury report.
Simmons missed games against the Lions, Raiders, Commanders and Bills before the team’s bye last week.
Chiefs rookie offensive lineman Josh Simmons looks set to the return to the lineup this week
Andy Reid said that ‘there’s a chance’ Simmons starts against the Broncos on Sundayclark
Simmons last played against the Jaguars in Week 5, as Kansas City lost 31-28
Speaking about Simmons last month, Reid said it was a ‘positive and not a negative situation’ before adding: ‘He’s just taking care of business. That’s the main thing right here. When you deal with this, that’s what you do. He’s been very good about communicating it.’
Owner Clark Hunt, meanwhile, remained more tight-lipped.
While attending the NFL owners’ meeting in New York, he was asked by ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler if he could shed some light on what was going on, though he declined to comment.
Reid also said at one point that general manager Brett Veach is ‘handling everything.’
Now, however, it appears that Simmons is ready to return for the Chiefs and provide a boost to their offensive line.
Following an 0-2 start, Kansas City (now 5-4) has turned things around, winning five of its last seven games.
However, the Chiefs are still just third in the AFC West behind the Chargers (7-3) and Broncos (8-2).
This weekend will mark the first meeting of the season between Kansas City and Denver, with their second matchup coming in Week 17.
