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Andy Reid has finally revealed the reason behind Kansas City Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons' prolonged absence from the team.
Simmons first missed the Week 6 win over the Detroit Lions due to a 'personal' issue and then was absent for last week's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Thursday, however, Reid said in a press conference that the team had been in communication with Simmons and reveals he was 'taking care of family'.
The coach insisted it was 'positive and not a negative situation' before adding: 'He's just taking care of business. That's the main thing right here. When you deal with this, that's what you do. He's been very good about communicating it.'
It remains unlikely that Simmons, a 2025 first-round pick, will play on Monday night against the Washington Commanders. He is yet to return to practice but has not been put on the non-football injury list, either.
The Chiefs travel to play the Buffalo Bills next week before going on their bye. They return to football on November 16 at Denver, which could mark Simmons' return.
Andy Reid has finally revealed the reason behind Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons' absence
Reid said in a press conference that Simmons is 'taking care of family' and it's 'positive'
While attending the NFL owners' meeting in New York on Tuesday, Clark Hunt was asked by ESPN's Kalyn Kahler if he could shed some light on the situation around Simmons. The billionaire refused to do so, simply replying: 'I really can't comment.'
Reid previously refused to address Simmons' prolonged absence on Monday, only revealing once again that general manager Brett Veach is 'handling everything.'
The coach said: 'As far as Josh goes I don't have any updates for you. (Brett) Veach is handling everything there and so just move on with that. Alright?'
Patrick Mahomes revealed last week that he was surprised by Simmons' absence for the Lions game.
'I didn't fully know, obviously we had walk-through around noon or 1pm and he wasn't there, so I knew something was up,' he said.
It has been claimed that Mahomes asked about Simmons, only to be told by coaches that they 'didn't know' where he was.
Over recent days, precise details have remained under wraps with none of Mahomes, Reid or the Chiefs offering any explanation for his absence.
Mahomes, meanwhile, was asked if he had spoken with Simmons.
'I'll keep conversations between us but I'm always praying for all my teammates,' the quarterback said. 'I'll keep everything else private to us.'
