There’s a ‘good chance’ Chiefs won’t have their left tackle against Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs might not have left tackle Josh Simmons for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.

That’s music to the ears of Denver’s elite pass-rushing group.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid met with the media on Tuesday and revealed the news, the firmest indicator yet that Simmons likely won’t play after a couple weeks of speculation. He’s been battling a back injury.

Andy Reid on Kahlil Benson: "We're comfortable playing Kahlil on the left side. … There's a good chance Josh [Simmons] doesn't play this week."

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 8, 2026

Khalil Benson is an undrafted free agent who signed with Kansas City after a rookie camp tryout in May.

He does have experience in big games, starting 12 of them for the national champion Indiana Hoosiers last season. But Benson didn’t hear his name called during the draft for a reason. NFL scouts didn’t think he was good enough for a pick by any of the 32 teams.

Meanwhile, Simmons was a Chiefs first-rounder in 2025 and is the future at left tackle protecting Patrick Mahomes. And with Mahomes coming off ACL and LCL injuries, the Broncos defense might be able to feast against Benson.

Nik Bonitto will be ready to go, joined by Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman while Jonathon Cooper remains on the commissioner’s exempt list.

Official injury reports won’t begin for a couple of days, but it sounds like Reid isn’t counting on Simmons suiting up. In a huge AFC West showdown, that will be a major storyline to watch and could swing the game in the Broncos’ favor.

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