The Kansas City Chiefs' meeting room turned into a pressure cooker this week, and it wasn't just the usual X's and O's causing the heat. According to NFL Network insiders, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid ordered offensive tackle Josh Simmons to leave the room on Wednesday — just one day before the team placed the second-year lineman on injured reserve.
The tension reportedly boiled over when Simmons, who has been sidelined since August with a bulging disk in his back, was spotted with his feet up during the offense's meeting. Reid, per multiple sources who witnessed the scene, asked the 23-year-old to put his feet down. Simmons pushed back, claiming he needed that position to ease discomfort in his hip and back. Reid then suggested that if he was truly in pain, he should head to the trainers' room — a comment that sparked an exchange disruptive enough to catch Mahomes' attention.
Mahomes, known for keeping the locker room focused, stepped in and told Simmons he should leave and get treatment. The former Ohio State star, visibly frustrated, exited the room. He later returned to apologize to Reid and the team's captains, admitting he could have handled the situation better, according to insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.
The incident adds another layer to what has been a rocky start to Simmons' NFL career. Drafted 32nd overall in 2025, the ex-Buckeye has wowed the Chiefs with his physical tools, but his inability to stay on the field has become a growing concern. The team placed him on IR, meaning he'll miss at least the next four games, starting with Sunday night's clash against the Seahawks.
This isn't the first time the Chiefs have dealt with off-field drama this season. The team recently mourned the sudden death of former defensive lineman Allen Bailey, a loss that brought the organization together in grief and reminded everyone of the fragility of life. And while the Simmons situation is far less tragic, it underscores the challenges of managing a roster full of strong personalities.
Some analysts have even suggested the Chiefs could look to shake things up via trade, with one ESPN insider floating the idea that Kansas City might target a receiver like George Pickens to bolster the offense. But for now, the focus is on getting Simmons healthy and back on the field — if he can stay in the team's good graces.
The Chiefs have a history of handling internal issues with a firm hand, and Mahomes' leadership has often been praised for keeping the squad unified. Whether this incident will have lasting repercussions remains to be seen, but it's clear that the reigning AFC champions expect full commitment from every player, even when they're hurting.
Simmons' injury woes are a blow to an offensive line that has already been reshuffled this season. The team will need to rely on depth while he's out, and the hope is that the time on IR will allow him to fully recover — both physically and mentally.
As the Chiefs prepare for a tough matchup against Seattle, the locker room seems to have moved past the drama, with players focusing on the task at hand. But the incident serves as a reminder that even the best teams can have internal friction, and how they handle it often defines their season.
