In the absence of Simmons, undrafted rookie Khalil Benson appears poised to step into the left tackle role. While coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have stopped short of an official confirmation, all indicators point toward Benson earning the start. Benson has impressed in camp and preseason, showing he can compete at a high level, even if the Week 1 challenge represents a significant jump from practice and exhibition games to real-game pressure.
Benson joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent after a standout rookie minicamp and earned a spot on the 90-man offseason roster. He subsequently defeated several other young linemen for repetitions and opportunities to line up at multiple spots on the line, including right tackle and right guard. His path to a potential Week 1 start underscores the franchise’s emphasis on internal development and depth at a position that has produced a record of turnover for Kansas City since Mahomes became the starter in 2018.
The task ahead for Benson is formidable. Week 1 will pit him against a Broncos defense featuring top edge rushers and veteran coordinators known for crafting pressure schemes. In preseason work, Benson logged limited action—six snaps at left tackle in a single game—during which he allowed no pressures on three pass-blocking attempts and contributed as a run blocker on three additional snaps. However, those snap counts came against backups and fringe roster players, not the kind of elite pass rushers a Week 1 assignment demands. The real test is different: an immediate clash with seasoned pros who know how to exploit even the smallest missteps along the edge.
Patrick Mahomes has consistently emphasized the “next man up” reality of football. He has expressed confidence in the players who step into unfamiliar roles, noting that those players arrive with years of preparation and a strong work ethic. Mahomes understands that a replacement left tackle can experience growing pains, but his trust in the coaches and in Benson’s preparation remains intact. The quarterback’s message reflects a broader team mindset: when a starter is unavailable, the roster must rise to the occasion, execute the game plan, and minimize costly mistakes.
Benson’s journey to this point reflects the Chiefs’ broader strategy of building depth through draft-agnostic manpower development. Although the team added veteran-level depth at offensive tackle by acquiring players such as Diego Pounds and Joshua Ezeudu in trades, Benson’s progression illustrates how Kansas City values internal competition. The organization views Benson as a capable contributor who can adapt to the demands of NFL left-tackle play. Head coach Reid has publicly supported Benson, highlighting his demonstrated ability to perform when trusted with responsibility.
The Chiefs’ decision to lean on Benson is also consistent with a philosophy of cultivating young players who can complement a roster built around a veteran quarterback and a high-powered offense. With Mahomes under center, the offensive line’s stability is crucial for sustaining big plays and maintaining enough time for receivers to create separation downfield. Even with the addition of new depth pieces, the Chiefs still face a testing Week 1 matchup that will set the tone for the season’s early portion.
From Benson’s perspective, Week 1 offers an opportunity to prove his readiness for professional football and to demonstrate that he can handle the mental and physical demands of facing elite pass rushers. He’ll have the support of the coaching staff, his teammates, and a fan base eager to see a young player step into a high-profile role with poise. The environment at Arrowhead Stadium—ardent fans, noise levels, and a competitive atmosphere—can amplify a rookie’s growth moment if he handles it well.
For now, the Chiefs’ plan centers on adapting to the absence of Simmons and evaluating Benson’s performance under real-game conditions. If Benson can hold his own, it could accelerate the development of a dependable depth chart along the left edge and provide Kansas City with flexibility for additional rotations as the season progresses. The coaching staff will likely continue monitoring the situation and preparing contingency options, but the immediate focus is clear: execute in Week 1, protect Mahomes, and establish a foundation that can carry the offense through tough defensive fronts as the schedule unfolds.
In summary, Simmons’ injury has thrust Khalil Benson into a pivotal Week 1 role, with coaching and quarterback support behind him. The challenge is substantial, but Benson has earned opportunities through the offseason and preseason work. The Chiefs’ confidence in his abilities, coupled with a proven mental framework from Reid and Mahomes, suggests that Kansas City will approach Week 1 with a plan designed to maximize protection, minimize mistakes, and set the stage for a successful start to the 2026 season.
Note: The focus remains on the team’s preparation, player development, and strategic decision-making as they navigate an opening game against the Broncos with anticipated adjustments along the offensive line.
