Overview
- Coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that Patrick Mahomes is 'most likely' to start Monday night's opener and Mahomes confirmed he will play wearing a knee brace.
- Left tackle Josh Simmons is trending toward missing the game because of a back issue, and undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson is expected to take the blind-side start.
- The Chiefs have altered personnel and play-calling to protect Mahomes, including adding running back Kenneth Walker III and planning extra protection and run-heavy looks.
- Denver presents a stiff test — the Broncos led the NFL with 68 sacks last season — so Kansas City's left-side uncertainty raises a clear risk to Mahomes' early-week performance.
- Mahomes' return caps an accelerated nine-month rehab from ACL/LCL surgery and his Week 1 availability will shape Kansas City's bid to rebound from a 6-11 season and pressure on the offense in the opening weeks.