Chiefs rule Josh Simmons out for the Monday night game against Broncos

ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 7:26 PM

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Chiefs rule Josh Simmons out for the Monday night game against Broncos

Summary

The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Denver Broncos on Monday night without first-round draft pick Josh Simmons. Simmons has been ruled out of the contest due to a back injury. In his place, undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson is set to start at left tackle, marking his first career start. The game also features the return of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was sidelined since December 2025 following a torn ACL. Defensive back Chamarri Conner will also miss the matchup with a knee injury. The Chiefs head into the game as 2.5-point favorites despite finishing the 2025 season with a 6-11 record, while the Broncos arrive as the defending AFC division winners and the No. 1 seed from the previous campaign.

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Status Watch

•Josh Simmons is inactive for Monday night due to a back injury.
•Kahlil Benson will start at left tackle for the Chiefs.
•Patrick Mahomes returns to action following a 2025 knee injury.
•Defensive back Chamarri Conner is out with a knee injury.
•The Broncos enter the game as the AFC's No. 1 seed from last season.

Latest Updates

9:10 PMESPN — Chiefs set to use undrafted rookie at LT as Simmons ruled out
7:26 PMYahoo Sports — Josh Simmons is ruled out for the Chiefs on Monday night

What they're saying

"
Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is out for Monday's season opener against the Broncos, with Kansas City expected to turn to undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to help protect returning quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
— ESPNby Nate Taylor