Overview
- Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that Patrick Mahomes is 'most likely' to start Monday night unless an unexpected setback occurs, making the Week 1 opener the focal point of a day‑to‑day medical decision.
- Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in mid‑December 2025, had surgery the next day and completed rehab milestones this offseason, including being cleared for full practice and taking all training‑camp reps while sitting out the preseason.
- Left tackle Josh Simmons is considered a long shot for Week 1 because of a lingering back issue, and the team has not placed him on injured reserve, leaving his timeline open.
- If Simmons cannot play, undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson is expected to start at left tackle, which raises protection concerns because the Broncos led the NFL with 68 sacks last season and present a likely matchup with edge rusher Nik Bonitto.
- Former Chiefs tackle Mitchell Schwartz has criticized the club’s handling of Simmons’ status and the situation could force Kansas City to rely on scheme changes, recent O‑line depth moves, and close day‑to‑day evaluations to protect Mahomes early in the season.