Mahomes expected to start Chiefs opener as left tackle remains unsettled
Kansas City coach Andy Reid says there is a “pretty good chance” Patrick Mahomes will play against Denver, while rookie Kahlil Benson could be pressed into a key role on the offensive line.
Patrick Mahomes is expected to start the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener against the Denver Broncos, though coach Andy Reid has stopped short of formally confirming the quarterback’s availability.
Reid told ESPN there was a “pretty good chance” Mahomes would start, subject to anything arising before the game. Mahomes underwent surgery in December to repair torn ligaments in his left knee and was cleared for full football activities in late July.
The quarterback has attended every Chiefs training-camp practice but did not play during the preseason. He is expected to wear a leg brace against Denver.
Kansas City’s more immediate selection issue is at left tackle. Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ 2025 first-round pick, is unlikely to play after sustaining a lower back injury in training camp about three weeks ago.
Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson could make his NFL debut as the starting left tackle. If selected, five-year veteran Jaylon Moore could move to right tackle, leaving the Chiefs to adjust their line in front of Mahomes.
