When Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes returns Monday night from a torn ACL in December 2025, his left tackle will be an undrafted rookie.
Josh Simmons, a 2025 first-round pick, has been ruled out for the game against the Broncos with a back injury. Kahlil Benson will start at left tackle in his first career game.
Also out for the Chiefs will be defensive back Chamarri Conner, who has a knee injury.
No other Chiefs players have an injury designation. Which means Mahomes will actually play. And that the Broncos will test Benson in an effort to get to Mahomes.
The Chiefs, who finished 6-11 in 2025, are 2.5-point favorites over the Broncos, who won the division and secured the No. 1 seed. 1 in the AFC.