Chiefs Keep Josh Simmons on Active Roster as Bulging Disc Delays Return

Keeping Simmons with the team preserves roster flexibility and leaves undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson as the on-field starter while the club has not set a clear timetable for his comeback.

Overview

Coach Andy Reid said Monday that Simmons has a bulging disc in his lower back, that he is rehabbing at the Chiefs’ facility, and that surgery is not expected.
The Chiefs have not placed Simmons on injured reserve so he remains on the active roster, a move that preserves short-term roster options but postpones a formal return date.
Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has started in Simmons’ place and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors while allowing pressure but no sacks in his early snaps.
Left guard Kingsley Suamataia was benched for one game for undisclosed reasons and Reid confirmed he will return to the starting lineup after the bye week.
Simmons’ 2024 patellar tendon tear and prior missed time add durability questions, and some media insiders have expressed skepticism about how quickly he will progress back to game action.