The Denver Broncos are facing a difficult task to open the 2026 regular season, having to go on the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday Night Football in what should be in front of a raucous crowd.
Despite tearing his ACL and LCL in a game last December, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is on track to start in Week 1, but Kansas City could be without another key starter, which could be quite detrimental against a team like the Broncos.
Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star believes there is a chance starting left tackle Josh Simmons won't be available for this game (via Chiefs Wire). Simmons is dealing with a lingering injury and if he's out of the lineup, the Chiefs would be forced to turn to an undrafted rookie,
either Kahlil Benson or Diego Pounds.
Pete Sweeney of the KC Star just said on Sports Radio 810 that he does not expect Josh Simmons to play next Monday night and thinks Kahlil Benson will fill in at left tackle with Jaylon Moore at right tackle.
— Farzin Vousoughian (@Farzin21) September 7, 2026
Vance Joseph is likely salivating over that prospect.
The Chiefs chose Simmons with their first-round pick in last year's draft, but he played in just eight games as a rookie. Now, he could be on the sidelines to kick off this season.
The Chiefs should have everything in their favor for this game to go along with a massive chip on their shoulder after the way last season ended. But not having your starting left tackle to protect Mahomes in his first game back since a devastating knee injury against a team that led the league in sacks last season certainly doesn't bode well.
The Broncos will be ready to exploit what could be the big mismatch that helps decide the outcome of this game.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Chiefs might be without their starting left tackle vs. Broncos on ‘MNF’
