Andy Reid Clears Air on Reported Spat With Josh Simmons in Team Meeting
Reid addresses the report
After Kansas City’s 20-3 loss to Seattle, Reid denied that the reported meeting exchange was connected to Simmons’ move to injured reserve. He said the decision was based on Simmons’ back and the need to address it.
ESPN reported that Simmons and Reid had a back-and-forth on Wednesday, and that Reid asked him to leave the meeting. The report said Simmons was called out for sitting with his feet up and explained that his back and hips hurt.
Account of the meeting
According to the ESPN report, Reid told Simmons to seek treatment if he was in pain. The report said Simmons then disrupted the meeting, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes urged him to step out as well.
Reid said he had already spoken extensively about Simmons and referred to comments from vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder. Reid did not discuss the reported exchange in further detail.
Injury and expected absence
Simmons will miss at least Kansas City’s next three games, against the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the team hopes Simmons can return for the stretch run healthy and ready to play.
Key points
- Reid said Simmons’ back injury, not the reported meeting exchange, led to his injured-reserve placement.
- ESPN reported that Simmons and Reid clashed during a Wednesday team meeting.
- Simmons is recovering from a bulging disc that has bothered him since mid-August.
- He will miss at least three games against Denver, New York and Atlanta.