The Kansas City Chiefs are grappling with a silent storm. Their rookie starting left tackle, Josh Simmons, has been conspicuously absent since Week 6 – and the details surrounding his absence are murky and increasingly concerning.

For a team building around consistency and continuity, this unexpected void has opened the door to speculation, theories, and uncertainty about both Simmons‘ future and the Chiefs’ handling of internal issues.

Simmons was a surprise addition to the inactive list on game day against the Detroit Lions. Initially, the Chiefs did not list any injuries in their opening report.

But just hours before kickoff, Simmons was added with the designation “not injury related – personal.” Reports indicated that he traveled home to California for a family issue, and not participating in practice days later only deepened the uncertainty.

Until then, Simmons had started all of Kansas City‘s first five games, making him a key part of the protection unit in front of Patrick Mahomes.

With his sudden absence, backup Jaylon Moore was thrust into action – with almost no notice.

Head coach Andy Reid admitted he would “see when he’s back,” while general manager Brett Veach was deferred to for further comment.

Even Mahomes said he didn’t fully know about the situation until shortly before the game, adding, “I’m always praying for him.”

The quiet shockwave: how one absence rattles more than the line

In one light, Simmons‘ absence might be purely personal – a family matter or something urgent and private. But in professional football, silence around a key player often leads to bigger questions.

The messaging from the Chiefs has shifted over time: first “illness,” then “personal,” then “family issue,” with no clear resolution.

Friday marked Simmons‘ sixth straight missed practice, and his continued absence has set off alarms inside and outside the organization. He was also listed as missing on Thursday, described by team insiders as “extremely serious.”

The official designation remains “personal,” but the lack of updates has frustrated fans and increased speculation across the league.

Looking closer at the timeline, Simmons was first added to the injury report before the Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, labeled with “illness.”

That early development may be linked to the current situation. But the organization has offered no clarity, and the absence of communication is as striking as the absence itself.

Coach Reid responds

Coach Andy Reid has repeatedly declined to elaborate, directing all inquiries to Brett Veach. The lack of comment has only amplified rumors, since stable franchises usually handle personnel absences with controlled messaging.

As the Chiefs prepare for their Week 7 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, Simmons remains ruled out.

The team appears set to continue relying on Jaylon Moore at left tackle for the foreseeable future. Some reports have suggested Simmons could miss up to a month – or possibly more – though nothing has been confirmed.

The bigger issue is what happens if the cloud over Simmons stretches deeper into the season.

For a franchise centered on keeping Patrick Mahomes upright and the offense stable, losing a key rookie starter creates real on-field and locker room challenges.