Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) congratulates team mates coming off the field against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Arrowhead Stadium
Undrafted Free Agent Tasked With Protecting Patrick Mahomes' Blind Side in Return 1
Patrick Mahomes is set to make his long awaited return on Monday night, nine months after the torn ACL and LCL that ended his 2025 season against the Chargers. TheKansas City Chiefs open at home against the Denver Broncos, who took the AFC West from them last year. Now, a sudden change at left tackle involving Josh Simmons threatens to complicate that comeback. Who steps in tells a bigger story.
Kahlil Benson Steps In As Chiefs Rule Out Josh Simmons
The Chiefs officially ruled out left tackle Josh Simmons for Monday’s season opener against the Broncos. Simmons, the team’s first-round pick (32nd overall) out of Ohio State in 2025, is the tackle who started all 32 of his college games (13 at right tackle for San Diego State and 19 at left tackle for Ohio State).
As a rookie in 2025, he started all eight games he played for the Chiefs at left tackle before a wrist injury ended his season. Now, he has been sidelined by a back injury he suffered during training camp and sat out practice all week before Kansas City made the move official on Saturday.
josh simmons, Kansas City Chiefsjosh simmons, Kansas City Chiefs
Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons (71) blocks Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
With Simmons out, undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will make his first career NFL start at left tackle. The assignment puts him directly between Mahomes and one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushes. Benson spent most of camp working at right tackle before shifting over to protect the blind side.
The timing raises the stakes considerably. Mahomes is playing his first game since tearing his ACL and LCL last December, and the Chiefs cannot afford early pressure disrupting his rhythm. The Broncos led the NFL in sacks last season and return much of that group, including edge rusher Nik Bonitto.
Andy Reid has already spoken about trusting Benson with the moment. Safety Chamarri Conner will also sit out with a knee injury, adding to a Chiefs injury list the team is managing just before kickoff.
Kahlil Benson’s Path From Indiana To Protecting Mahomes
Benson signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent after playing college football at Indiana and Colorado. The 6-foot-6, 321-pound offensive lineman appeared in 49 college games with 33 starts, primarily at right tackle and right guard.
He started all 12 games at right tackle for Indiana in 2023 (allowing just one sack) and started 12 more games at right tackle in 2025 while helping the Hoosiers win the national championship.
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.
Benson worked mainly on the right side of the offensive line and rarely took snaps at left tackle before joining the Chiefs this year.
Despite the shift, Benson has drawn confidence from his coaches and quarterback throughout camp, and Reid explained exactly why the staff trusts him with the assignment.
“He’s done a nice job for us.” Reid told reporters.
Mahomes has echoed that trust as the rookie prepares for his comeback player of the year protector in his very first start.
Kansas City clearly believes Benson can handle Monday’s challenge, but Denver plans to test him early and often, setting up one of the most closely watched matchups of the entire opening week.
Kansas City Chiefs enters Monday as 2.5 point favorites over Denver despite the uncertainty at left tackle. A clean night from Benson keeps the offense steady, while a rough one raises questions before the Colts visit Arrowhead in Week 2.
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