Chiefs likely to start rookie Kahlil Benson at left tackle against Broncos
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 11:15 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
Patrick Mahomes is set to return for the Kansas City Chiefs in Monday night's season opener against the Denver Broncos after recovering from a torn ACL. The team faces challenges on the offensive line, as primary left tackle Josh Simmons remains sidelined with a back injury. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson is expected to take over protection duties for Mahomes' blind side. While Benson played at both Indiana and Colorado, he has not logged game experience at left tackle in recent years. He will be tasked with containing Denver edge rusher Nik Bonitto, whose defense led the NFL in sacks last season. Coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in the rookie's ability to handle the assignment despite the significant jump in competition.
- •Patrick Mahomes is slated to start Monday night following an ACL recovery.
- •Josh Simmons is unavailable for the opener due to a back injury.
- •Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson is the projected starter at left tackle.
- •Denver Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto will test the rookie's ability.
- 11:15 PMYahoo Sports — Chiefs start undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson at left tackle with Josh Simmons out in opener vs Denver
- 6:23 PMYahoo Sports — Meet the Chiefs rookie signed to help Patrick Mahomes who has never played left tackle before
- 9:37 PMYahoo Sports — Who is Kahlil Benson? Meet the UDFA Chiefs tackle blocking for Patrick Mahomes
- 7:08 PMYahoo Sports — In Patrick Mahomes' return from torn ACL, Chiefs likely to turn to undrafted rookie left tackle to start
"The Kansas City Chiefs were missing left tackle Josh Simmons to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes when they faced the NFL's top pass rush from last year in their Monday night opener against the Denver Broncos. Simmons, a first-round pick a year ago, has been out since mid-August with a back injury, leaving the Chiefs in the unenviable position of starting undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson at left tackle. Benson was signed after an impressive showing at a rookie minicamp, and he climbed through the depth chart so quickly that he likely would have started against Denver at right tackle anyway.
"Kahlil Benson has never played at left tackle in his career. He'll get a chance to test himself at the position when Patrick Mahomes makes his return from an ACL and LCL tear on "Monday Night Football."
"Kahlil Benson was a member of Indiana's national championship team.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 11:15 PMChiefs start undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson at left tackle with Josh Simmons out in opener vs Denver
The Kansas City Chiefs were missing left tackle Josh Simmons to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes when they faced the NFL's top pass rush from last year in their Monday night opener against the Denver Broncos. Simmons, a first-round pick a year ago, has been out since mid-August with a back injury, leaving the Chiefs in the unenviable position of starting undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson at left tackle. Benson was signed after an impressive showing at a rookie minicamp, and he climbed through the depth chart so quickly that he likely would have started against Denver at right tackle anyway.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 6:23 PMMeet the Chiefs rookie signed to help Patrick Mahomes who has never played left tackle before
Kahlil Benson has never played at left tackle in his career. He'll get a chance to test himself at the position when Patrick Mahomes makes his return from an ACL and LCL tear on "Monday Night Football."
- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 9:37 PMWho is Kahlil Benson? Meet the UDFA Chiefs tackle blocking for Patrick Mahomes
Kahlil Benson will have a huge responsibility on Monday night.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 7:08 PMIn Patrick Mahomes' return from torn ACL, Chiefs likely to turn to undrafted rookie left tackle to start
Kahlil Benson was a member of Indiana's national championship team.
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