{
  "id": 16086589,
  "title": "Chiefs place left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve with a bulging disk in his lower back",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/chiefs-place-left-tackle-josh-simmons-on-injured-reserve-with-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T18:37:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/10/22/chiefs-place-left-tackle-josh-simmons-on-injured-reserve-with-a-bulging-disk-in-his-lower-back"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Kansas City Chiefs placed left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve due to a bulging disk in his lower back on Thursday. This news ensures that the starting left tackle will be sidelined for at least four more weeks, as he has already missed the first five games of the season. Simmons, an undrafted rookie, was selected in the first round of the 2025 draft with high hopes to become the team's franchise left tackle. Although his knee injury at Ohio State did not hinder his recovery, other factors have kept him off the field. He started the first five games last season before missing time due to personal matters, followed by a fractured and dislocated hand, leading to his return to the injured reserve for the remainder of the season. In late July, Simmons felt discomfort in his calf, which was later traced back to his back. An MRI confirmed a herniated and bulging disk, which was more severe than initially anticipated. The Chiefs consulted a back specialist in California, who believed Simmons could recover with rehabilitation without surgery. However, they placed him on injured reserve on Thursday, as he was not fully recovered. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will continue to protect the blind side of Patrick Mahomes. Meanwhile, Jaylon Moore remains in the concussion protocol, with Joshua Ezeudu expected to start at left tackle on Sunday night against Seattle. The Chiefs drafted Simmons in the first round of the 2025 draft, believing he could be their franchise left tackle. Despite his knee injury, the team was confident in his recovery. However, other factors have kept him away from the field. Simmons started the first five games last season, missed time due to personal matters, and returned to start three more games before a hand injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. He appeared to be making progress in training camp but reported back pain on August 17. After obtaining an MRI, the diagnosis confirmed a herniated and bulging disk, complicating his case.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Kansas City Chiefs place Josh Simmons on injured reserve",
    "Simmons suffers from bulging disk in lower back",
    "Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to start at left tackle"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}