Chiefs Get Cryptic About Josh Simmons Just Before Broncos Matchup
The Kansas City Chiefs have not said for sure if first-round left tackle Josh Simmons will start in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos, and the decision to remain notably cryptic may involve some gamesmanship from head coach Andy Reid.
“Andy Reid says there is a ‘chance’ Josh Simmons will start against the Broncos,” the KC Star’s Pete Sweeney reported on November 14, two days before the Chiefs’ Week 11 matchup. “Reid said he wants to watch the film and get with OL coach Andy Heck before making a final decision.”
Not long after, KC Star colleague Sam McDowell followed up on Sweeney’s report, informing: “Andy Reid certainly wasn’t definitive, but after his presser today, left with the impression Josh Simmons will play Sunday.”
Naturally, Reid is keeping this left tackle decision close to the vest as the chess match ensues between him and Broncos counterpart Sean Payton.
Payton went the entire week without ruling out running back J.K. Dobbins, despite rumors that he could be out multiple weeks with a foot injury. Similarly, the Chiefs chose not to rule out running back Isiah Pacheco until Friday.
That’s gamesmanship at its finest between two stalwart NFL head coaches.
Chiefs Need Josh Simmons Back in Week 11 Against a Ferocious Broncos Pass Rush
GettyKansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons.
The Simmons news couldn’t come at a better time for the Chiefs.
Denver flaunts a league-leading pass rush that has already accumulated a whopping 46 sacks. For reference, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks are tied for second with 32 sacks, and Kansas City only has 20 team sacks in 2025.
Needless to say, having Simmons will be crucial in keeping quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright and out of pressure.
The best way to disrupt the KC offense is by keeping Mahomes off balance with a steady pass rush. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, the Broncos have the players to accomplish this task, and that’s the exact reason general manager Brett Veach spent his 2025 first-round pick on Simmons.
Reid can say that he isn’t 100% sure Simmons is starting in Week 11, but it doesn’t make sense for Kansas City to start a lesser talent in such a crucial divisional game.
If the rookie is healthy, he’ll be in there protecting Mahomes’ blindside. McDowell drew the same conclusion, and it’d be pretty surprising if that wasn’t the case come Sunday.
Isiah Pacheco & J.K. Dobbins Both Ruled Out for Chiefs vs. Broncos
It took Reid all week to admit it, but Pacheco was finally ruled out on Friday after going the entire week without participating in practice. Later this afternoon, the Broncos did the same with Dobbins.
“Broncos RB JK Dobbins will be out on Sunday vs the Chiefs with a significant foot injury and is believed to be out for the foreseeable future, per me and @TomPelissero,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on November 14.
Rapoport added that “Dobbins is still working through options, and while there’s no final determination, IR remains a possibility.”
It appears both AFC West rivals will be without their starting running backs in Week 11, but the difference is that Pacheco will be KC’s only absence. The Broncos, on the other hand, have ruled out five players, including Dobbins.
The other four “out” designations are cornerback Pat Surtain II, outside linebacker Jonah Elliss, inside linebacker Alex Singleton, and tight end Nate Adkins.
Rival coach says he's 'forever indebted' to Commanders' Dan Quinn
MADRID –
That word, ‘brotherhood,’ has been uttered a lot around the Commanders since Quinn arrived, and on occasion, he’s had the opportunity to prove he’s as much a part of it as he is the leader of it.
"Dan Quinn holds a special place in my heart, in my career,” McDaniel said of the Washington coach. “He was there, ground zero, when I became sober and supported me and believed in me and gave me the opportunity to continue what I love to do. For that, I'll be forever indebted to him.
“It speaks to the type of man he is and the type of leader he is that I know. He touches every player he coaches from a true, authentic standpoint, and I think the Commanders are very fortunate to have him."
Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn shake hands after a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
McDaniel has been very public about his alcohol abuse issues of the past and how his recovery has helped him become one of just 32 head coaches in the NFL. Quinn being a central member of that recovery is no surprise given his reputation for caring about the people around him before he cares about their job title.
"And in that space, all I want to do is help and give support and then the real work begins for the person who's in that spot. And that's exactly what Mike did to say, this is what I'm going to work on and how I'm going to go do it. …And I think that takes a lot of guts to do that. And that's one of the reasons I'm real proud of him.”
The respect and love on both sides of this weekend’s matchup are clear, and it’s special. So much so that we’ve actually told this story before, the last time the Commanders and Dolphins faced off, last preseason, but it is one each man speaks about like it's the first time, every time, and a bond worth writing about each time as well.
Usually, asking about old connections in NFL life after that first meeting leads to muted comments, like when Quinn faced the Atlanta Falcons this year, last year, and even before that. Or when he went up against Pete Carroll, whom he’s faced before since the two reached the pinnacle of the game as Super Bowl champions with the Seattle Seahawks.
Talking about McDaniel, however, there’s no watering down of what that relationship means to either man, but it isn’t just personal.
Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
“I've known Mike to be an excellent coach,” Quinn also said. “He can process things so quickly, it's no surprise to see that his offense can throw the ball quickest. They can have the fastest motions. That's Mike to a T, where he can just think so quickly on it. …he's one of my favorite coaches.”
The brotherhood is still strong between Quinn and McDaniel, but in Week 11, we’ll see the sibling rivalry more than the brotherly love as each man will look to get the upper hand, the Commanders coach clarifies.
But no matter which side wins and what the winning score is, don’t expect any icy exchanges afterwards.
