The Chiefs are getting what they wanted out of Josh Simmons: a heavier left tackle who, by Andy Reid’s telling, has held that added weight through the offseason and looks the part heading into camp.
Simmons didn’t get into specifics about his current number, only saying it’s “where it needs to be.” Reid was more direct about the change from the 285 Simmons played at last season, noting the lineman weighed 317 at the Combine and has carried more mass into this year.
“He put on weight in the offseason. He’s been able to maintain it,” Reid said, via Pro Football Talk.
“I think it’ll help him, not that he couldn’t do it at the other weight, but this gives him a little bit more lead in his pants, and that pays off for you. Over time, it pays off for you during the season.”
Reid also sounded encouraged by Patrick Mahomes, who has opened training camp looking sharp and operating at the level Kansas City has come to expect.
“He’s really doing everything that he normally does and doing it well. So, we’re happy with that,” Reid told ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
“We know he’s still progressing through it. But he sure looks sharp out here.”
The Chiefs coach added a note of caution around Mahomes’ workload, saying the quarterback is in a good spot physically for what they’re asking him to do right now.
“As long as he’s safe, that’s what we’re looking at. So, right now, for what we’re doing, he’s safe to roll,” Reid added.
When asked about Mahomes’ preseason availability, Reid leaned toward holding him out.
“There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him. The percentages are leading that way. I’m not sure I’ll play him in the second or third game.”
Garrett Nussmeier, the Chiefs’ seventh-round quarterback, had nothing but admiration for the veteran he’s watching every day.
“He’s seen every scenario and every situation. He’s like a library of knowledge. For me, whenever he talks about those moments, I’m listening.”
Reid has liked what he’s seen from Nussmeier, too.
“Every time he’s in, he’s moved the ball… His pass production has been a real positive… he’s doing a nice job. We’ve loaded him up… He’s handled it.”
There was also an update on Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who dealt with a hamstring injury in 2025. He described the setback as difficult, but said he stayed locked in on the work.
“It was tough. At the end of the day, work will get you anywhere you want… Me just focusing on getting better. That was my motivation.”
On the other side, Raiders receiver Jack Bech is looking for a stronger second act after a rookie season that produced just 20 catches for 224 yards following his selection in the second round last year. He says the fit feels right in first-year head coach Klint Kubiak’s offense.
“I love the offense that they run and the whole system that they have,” Bech said, via Sam Warren of The Athletic. “To be able to run all the plays that they have has been really great, and I’m really excited for this year.”
Bech also singled out sixth-round receiver Malik Benson, saying the rookie has stood out in camp and helped raise the level of the whole room.
“He makes the big play,” Bech said. “That’s what we’re counting on him to do: come in here and push all of us, everybody in the receiver room, to grow and be the best we can be.”
Raiders wide receivers coach Zach Azzani has been encouraged by Bech’s offseason progress, though he said the young receiver is still working through “rookie mistakes.”
“ I’m pleased with his improvement, his progress,” Azzani said.
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