The Chiefs are expecting first-round pick Josh Simmons to be a full participant in training camp, according to ESPN’s Adam Teicher.
Simmons, the No. 32 selection in April’s draft, ruptured his patellar tendon last October, prematurely ending his final year at Ohio State and sidelining him throughout the pre-draft process. That led to uncertainty regarding his availability for the start of the 2025 season.
The Chiefs believe that Simmons can be their Week 1 starter at left tackle, provided he’s healthy. They have reason to be encouraged after he participated in OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Spring practices are less physically demanding than training camp, allowing Simmons to get integrated into the Chiefs offense without threatening his ongoing rehab. Once pads and contact are introduced in July, Kansas City will have a stronger idea of Simmons’ ability to take the field in Week 1.
“He’s done a nice job, he’s worked well, and we’ll just see what training camp does,” head coach Andy Reid said of Simmons. “It’s different when things are flying fast up there and you’ve got full contact and pads on.”
Third-year wide receiver Rashee Rice, who also suffered a season-ending leg injury last fall, also participated in the team’s offseason practices and is still on track to fully participate in training camp. Barring any setback, Rice should be ready for Week 1, though his availability could be threatened by a potential suspension stemming from a hit-and-run accident — one that brought eight felony charges — last March.