Chiefs Turn to Undrafted Rookie Kahlil Benson at Left Tackle With Josh Simmons Out
Simmons has missed more than three weeks with a lower-back injury, so Benson, an Indiana product who played right tackle in camp, protects Patrick Mahomes' blind side in his return on Monday night.
Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is out for Monday night's opener against Denver with a lower-back injury that has sidelined him for more than three weeks, and undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will start in his place.
Who is Benson?
An undrafted rookie out of Indiana who spent training camp at right tackle before moving to the left side. He becomes the first undrafted rookie to start a Week 1 game on offense for Andy Reid in Kansas City. "He's done a nice job for us. He's obviously shown us that he has the ability to play. We wouldn't put him in there if we didn't think that," Reid said. Veteran Jaylon Moore is expected to start at right tackle.
What does it mean for Mahomes' return?
Mahomes, nine months removed from surgery on his torn ACL and LCL, said he expects to play "without any limitations" and that he trusts "anyone that the coaches put out there because I know that they've worked their tail off to be at that spot." Denver's pass rush led the league in sacks the past two seasons.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Chiefs set to use undrafted rookie with LT Josh Simmons out
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