Chiefs rule out LT Josh Simmons and will start undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson at LT vs. the Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs will open their 2026 regular season on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead against division rival Denver, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes returning from a major knee injury but missing a key blindside protector. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons was ruled out after it trended that way all week, and undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson—an Indiana free agent—will make his NFL debut and first career start at left tackle. Benson has played mainly right tackle and some guard in college and had his first reps at left tackle in the preseason. The report frames Denver’s goal as exploiting this matchup with pressure, despite missing edge rusher Jonathon Cooper from their lineup.