CONCERNS for a Kansas City Chiefs star’s NFL career are mounting after a major injury setback.

The NFL star has been sidelined by the Chiefs after enduring a mysterious absence from the team.

Josh Simmons, 23, has been placed on the Chiefs’ injured reserve ahead of Week 7.

Offensive tackle Simmons has started just eight games for the franchise since being selected 32nd overall during the 2025 NFL Draft.

He was forced to miss several games last season for personal reasons as he attended to a “private family matter”.

The then-rookie returned after the Chiefs’ Week 10 bye, only to be forced out of action again after suffering a fractured and dislocated wrist in his third game back against the Dallas Cowboys.

And his second season in the NFL has also been marred with injury issues as he was ruled out of the first five games of the season with a bulging disk in his lower back.

Trainer Rick Burkholder has explained that his injury is “higher up than we normally see in our offensive linemen, which complicated the case.”

It was noted that the Chiefs recommended a second opinion that has suggested Simmons could recover without the need for surgery.

But he is now set for another four weeks out of action, forcing the Chiefs’ decision to place him on the injured reserve.

“Josh worked his tail off,” Burkholder said. “He worked diligently with my staff every day, and he improved to the point where he returned to practice in a limited capacity last week.

“However we feel he plateaued in the recovery process. He’s just not there yet.”

Simmons is still not expected to require surgery.

This means undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will retain his starting position as the Chiefs continue to bounce back from a dismal 2025 season.

The four-time NFL champions have made a perfect start to their campaign, picking up five wins in their opening games.

But they are set to face their toughest opponent yet as they travel to the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, October 25.