Josh Simmons is Making Waves at Chiefs Training Camp 🌊
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons is turning heads in the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 310 pounds, he possesses both the physique and the athletic talent that makes him a standout figure among rookies.
A Promising Start 🌟
Since the beginning of training camp, Simmons has been part of the starting lineup, and his performance has been nothing short of impressive. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy commented on Simmons' extraordinary athleticism, calling it "rare" and "special." Nagy also expressed appreciation for Simmons' current mental state.
“It’s evident that he is laser-focused," Nagy said. "He grasps concepts well and learns from any mistakes quickly."
Praise from Peers 🏈
Defensive end Mike Danna weighed in on Simmons’ skills, echoing Nagy's sentiments.
“He’s a fantastic athlete,” Danna noted. “Every day, he comes in ready to compete, and it’s inspiring to witness.”
Simmons himself shared his excitement following practice, expressing gratitude for being on the field again so soon after recovering from a severe patellar tendon injury. “It feels great to be back,” he said. “It’s therapeutic to be playing football again.”
A Risky but Worthwhile Investment 💰
The Chiefs opted to snag Simmons during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft while he was still recuperating from his injury. They placed considerable faith in their medical team's evaluation leading up to the draft, and that faith appears to be justified.
Throughout organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps, Simmons put in the time and effort to rehab effectively, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by teammates.
“During OTAs, you could see his dedication,” said center Creed Humphrey. “It’s fantastic to witness his progress; he’s moving well and clearly healthy.”
Communication is Key 💬
So far, Simmons has not encountered any setbacks when it comes to his surgically repaired knee. As he continues to dig into the playbook throughout training camp and the upcoming preseason games, he is honing in on defensive strategies that he will face come gameday.
“Right now, I’m really focused on understanding defenses better,” Simmons explained. “This gives me the ability to play faster. If I can anticipate a stunt or a blitz, I can communicate effectively with my left guard Kingsley Suamataia.”
Back to Full Pads 🏋️♂️
Following a day off, the Chiefs returned to the practice field in full pads, marking it as the fourth time this camp. The milder temperatures in the 60s and low 70s contrasted sharply with the previous week’s heat, making for an energized practice.
“The guys have worked hard and done an excellent job,” head coach Andy Reid remarked. “With the cooler weather, they were flying around today; it was great to see both sides of the ball making plays.”
Injury Updates and Roster Moves 🚑
Several players were not able to practice due to injury concerns. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown missed due to an ankle issue, and Skyy Moore was sidelined because of a hamstring problem. This opened opportunities for rookie Jalen Royals and Tyquan Thornton to gain more significant experience.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Xavier Worthy returned after being cleared from concussion protocol, with Coach Reid clarifying that it was not a concussion but rather a minor ear issue.
In a recent shake-up, the Chiefs added defensive backs Azizi Hearn and Ajani Carter, along with wide receiver Key’Shawn Smith. To make space, they waived defensive backs Darius Rush and Eric Scott, both due to injuries. Additionally, punter Eddie Czaplicki was released, which confirmed that Matt Araiza had secured the starting punter position.
Participation Highlights 🏃♂️
Rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa made his return to practice after recovering from an ankle issue. Unfortunately, cornerback Kristian Fulton, rookie tight end Jake Briningstool, and safety Deon Bush still missed practices due to ongoing injuries. Linebacker Drue Tranquill also had to leave practice early due to a strained back, which is a concern as the roster fine-tunes leading into the regular season.
Looking Ahead 🔍
As Simmons and his teammates continue to sharpen their skills leading into the regular season, he recognizes the importance of these practice sessions. Commitment and a focus on both physical and mental development will play crucial roles in determining his success on the battlefield of the NFL.
Conclusion 🎉
For Chiefs fans, Simmons represents a beacon of hope for the future of the offensive line. With a combination of physical talent and mental tenacity, he promises to add depth and strength to the team. As training camp moves forward, the excitement around Simmons and the entire roster is palpable, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling regular season ahead.