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Chiefs likely have to use undrafted rookie at key position as injury replacement for Week 1

The Kansas City Chiefs are turning to an unexpected option on their offensive line for their Week 1 Monday Night Football showdown against the Denver Broncos. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson, who played collegiately for Indiana, is slated to start at left tackle to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City faced a lineup shakeup under head coach Andy Reid after primary starter Josh Simmons, a 2025 first-round selection, was officially sidelined with a persistent back injury that kept him off the practice field on Thursday.

Simmons is not the only absence for Kansas City, as strong safety Chamarri Conner has also been ruled out for the season opener following training camp setbacks. Benson stepped into the primary role despite not hearing his name called during April's draft, an event where eight of his college teammates were chosen.

He will now assume the critical task of anchoring Mahomes' blind side as the Chiefs attempt to manage lingering roster instability at the tackle spot.