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Chiefs to Place Josh Simmons on Injured Reserve as Back Injury Rehab Has Plateaued
The left tackle will continue rehab after a spine specialist recommended against surgery, and the Chiefs said he has not yet returned to full competition level.
On Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs placed offensive tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve due to a bulging disc in his lower back, sidelining him for at least four games.
Simmons first reported discomfort on August 17, and although he returned to limited practice last week, team officials determined his recovery had "plateaued" despite initial improvement.
Rick Burkholder, Chiefs Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, said surgery is not recommended and that everyone agreed the IR move provides necessary time to return to full function.
Simmons is ineligible to return until Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals on November 22, while undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson continues to start at left tackle.
The Ohio State product has missed 14 of 22 career games, yet the team remains hopeful he will return to the high level of performance he achieved in the past.