Patrick Mahomes is finally set to return to regular-season action for the Kansas City Chiefs, but the quarterback could have a significant problem in front of him when he takes his first snap of the 2026 season.
Mahomes has spent the offseason recovering from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered in his left knee during Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last December. He underwent surgery shortly afterward and did not play during the preseason, but the Chiefs have remained optimistic about his availability for the opener against the Denver Broncos.
Head coach Andy Reid announced Tuesday that Mahomes will be under center Monday night, telling reporters there is a “good chance” Mahomes will start and that “most likely, he’ll be the guy that’s out there.”
However, Reid immediately followed that encouraging update with a concerning one for the quarterback’s protection. According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, Reid said there is “a good chance Josh [Simmons] doesn’t play this week.”
Simmons has been Kansas City’s starting left tackle and is particularly important to Mahomes because he lines up on the quarterback’s blind side. The 2025 first-round pick started eight games as a rookie and entered this season with an opportunity to solidify the position after showing promise during his first NFL campaign.
Simmons has been dealing with a back issue that recently flared up, forcing him to miss time during the final stages of training camp. Reid previously described the situation as something the team was managing with rest and rehabilitation.
If Simmons cannot suit up, Reid said undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson would likely get the start at left tackle. That would be a significant responsibility for Benson against a Denver defense that will be looking to make Mahomes uncomfortable in his first game back.
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The Chiefs have already seen Benson get opportunities at tackle during the preseason, but his protection has been a concern.
