Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes
Andy Reid, Chiefs Devise New Plan to Shield Patrick Mahomes as Key O-Line Anchor Nears Week 1 Absence 1
Patrick Mahomes has not taken a regular season snap since his left knee buckled against the Los Angeles Chargers back in December, an injury that ended a decade-long playoff streak and reshaped his entire offseason.
Now, with the Kansas City Chiefs set to open 2026 against the Denver Broncos, Andy Reid is facing a fresh concern along his offensive line. The plan he settled on this week says plenty about how Kansas City intends to protect its franchise quarterback.
Kahlil Benson steps up as Josh Simmons’ injury lingers
Josh Simmons has not practiced since August 18 because of a back issue that first surfaced during camp. Reid described the left tackle as working hard through rehab but stopped short of giving any firm timeline for his return.
The Chiefs have not placed him on injured reserve, which would rule him out for at least four games, but Monday’s opener against Denver now looks unlikely for him.
Indiana Hoosiers, Kahlil BensonIndiana Hoosiers, Kahlil Benson
Indiana’s Kahlil Benson (67) celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
That leaves undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson in line to protect Mahomes’ blind side. Benson, who started 12 of Indiana’s 16 games at right tackle during the Hoosiers’ 2025 national championship season, has spent recent practices working reps on the left side after also logging 17 starts across his 2022 and 2023 seasons at Indiana.
He was part of an offensive line that earned Joe Moore Award finalist recognition last year and has drawn praise for his footwork and strength despite a few rough moments in pass protection during the preseason.
“We’ll end up playing the five best guys, and right now, he’s one of them,” Reid told reporters.
Veteran Jaylon Moore is expected to slide to right tackle if that alignment holds, rounding out a line that will look very different than the one Mahomes played behind last season.
Before turning to Mahomes’ own words this week, it helps to look at what pushed him to get back this fast in the first place.
Patrick Mahomes’ own words on his return
Mahomes has stayed publicly confident about his availability even after sitting out every preseason snap. He credited his medical clearance for full practice reps and the personal motivation driving his recovery for keeping him on schedule.
“Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. I think he’ll be fine,” Reid said.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15)Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) react to play on the sidelines against the Chicago Bears during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Still, some analysts have raised concerns about Simmons’ blocking technique putting added strain on a knee that is barely nine months removed from surgery.
Reid has already all but confirmed Mahomes as the Week 1 starter, leaving the left tackle spot as the last real question. Kansas City hosts Denver on Monday Night Football, and how Benson holds up against the Broncos’ pass rush could shape the opening weeks of Mahomes’ comeback season.
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