As Kansas City prepares for a return to the field, all eyes are on two critical players: quarterback Patrick Mahomes and left tackle Josh Simmons. Mahomes, who recently returned from a season-ending ACL injury, is on track to play in Week 1 when the Chiefs travel to face the Denver Broncos on September 14. The bigger concern entering this period is protecting the franchise quarterback, especially with Simmons dealing with a back issue that could affect the starting unit up front.
Head coach Andy Reid provided an update indicating that Simmons is undergoing further testing after his back injury appeared more serious than initially thought. “Just getting his back checked out,” Reid said. “That’s the main thing. He was performing well when in there, but he’s got the back. Like any other injury, we’ve got to make sure and see if it’s right or what’s wrong with it.” The assessment underscores the team’s caution as they map out the best path to a healthy, effective offensive line protection for Mahomes.
Simmons, a former first-round pick, faced a challenging rookie season in which he appeared in only eight games. His health is pivotal for a team that relies on a sturdy blind side protection for its superstar signal-caller, especially as Mahomes returns from an ACL injury and aims to resume peak on-field performance.
The Chiefs have ruled Simmons out for the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks, which adds to the complexity of Week 1 preparations with the Broncos looming. With the season opener approaching, Kansas City has limited time to finalize line chemistry and depth.
Meanwhile, Mahomes has not yet been ruled in or out for Week 1, but public comments from the quarterback signal a readiness to play. In an August 25 media session, Mahomes discussed how getting the first hit of the season often signals a return to game mode. He noted that the recent preseason performances by the offensive line have shown improvement in blocking and consistency, which could influence his readiness for Week 1. “If I’m able to kind of get through this process and be able to play, we’ll be going up against one of the best defenses in the league. So, I’ll have to be ready to go no matter what it is,” he remarked, emphasizing the focus on preparation and resilience as the team enters the new season.
If Simmons cannot suit up, the Chiefs have options at left tackle to fill the gap. The team recently added offensive-line depth by trading for Joshua Ezeudu from the New York Giants. In the event of an extended absence for Simmons, Kahil Benson has been in the mix as a potential starter, with Reid noting that Benson will see time at left tackle in upcoming evaluations. Benson’s performance during these assessments will help determine whether he could step into a larger role early in the season.
Looking ahead, Kansas City will rely on a balanced approach to protect Mahomes, combining improved offensive-line depth, strategic lineup decisions, and disciplined protection schemes. The path to Week 1 remains uncertain in some respects, but the organization’s focus on medical evaluation, conditioning, and on-field communication points toward a prepared and adaptable unit ready to face the Broncos.
Summary of key points:
– Patrick Mahomes is on track to play in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, pending medical and conditioning clearance.
– Left tackle Josh Simmons is dealing with a back injury, with additional testing to determine severity.
– Simmons missed substantial time in his rookie season and is a critical component of the Chiefs’ pass protection.
– Simmons has been ruled out for the preseason finale against Seattle, heightening concern for Week 1 readiness.
– The Chiefs added Joshua Ezeudu to bolster offensive-line depth; Kahil Benson could start at left tackle if Simmons is unavailable.
– Mahomes conveyed a mindset of being ready to play, emphasizing preparation for a tough Week 1 matchup against a strong defense.
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