After a walk-through practice on Saturday, Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid stated that starting left tackle Josh Simmons would not be available for the season opener. So what does this mean for the left tackle position Monday Night?
It was hardly a surprise when Head Coach Andy Reid indicated that second-year tackle Josh Simmons would not be available for the season opener Monday night against the Denver Broncos. Instead, undrafted free agent left tackle Khalil Benson gets the start.
It’ll be a big assignment for Benson, who has just three preseason games on his NFL resume, but Reid felt he was better suited to get the nod at left tackle than veteran Jaylen Moore.
Instead, Moore will start at right tackle, and that means all eyes will be on the men protecting Patrick Mahomes.
This bitter AFC West rivalry has yet to begin, but the storylines are endless as both teams get ready for their Monday night matchup at Arrowhead. Mahomes, coming off double ligament surgery, had made a remarkable return to the field after eight intense months of rehab.
Kansas City does have the home-field advantage, but this will be a tough task for the young left tackle facing the best pass rusher in the NFL, Nick Bonita, who is a quarterback-sacking machine.
If Benson can play on his experience and thwart the Broncos’ pass rush, and plow the road in the run game, then the absence of Simmons might not be felt. On the flip side, though, his lack of NFL service time could prove this game a teaching moment for better things to come down the schedule.
Reid also told the media that Safety Chamarri Connor won’t suit up either, but the Chiefs have proven depth to absorb his absence. The Chiefs also announced that Chris Jones is dealing with a calf injury, but they expect him to start Monday night.
