The Kansas City Chiefs could have a problem protecting Patrick Mahomes when they open the season against the Denver Broncos. Left tackle Josh Simmons hasn't practiced since suffering a back injury on August 18.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, head coach Andy Reid gave an update that didn't offer much optimism about Simmons' availability. The Chiefs have been preparing for the possibility of using a different combination up front against one of the NFL's best pass rushes.

"There's a good chance Josh doesn't play this week; that's where we're at," Reid said. "He has an issue there that he's working through.... I just want to make sure he's healthy and okay to go. We move forward; that's what we do."

Simmons has remained sidelined while working through the back issue, and the Chiefs haven't put him on injured reserve. That leaves open the possibility of a quicker return, but Reid isn't putting a timetable on it.

If Simmons can't go, rookie Kahlil Benson appears to be the leading option at left tackle. Speaking to reporters on September 8 via Chiefs YouTube, Reid said Kansas City is comfortable with Benson on either side, while veteran Jaylon Moore gives the Chiefs another option.

Benson did get some preseason work at left tackle after Simmons went down. The problem is that his college experience came almost entirely at right tackle, where he started 12 games for Indiana last season.

That could make Week 1 a difficult assignment. Denver's defense led the NFL in sacks last season, and Benson would be responsible for protecting Mahomes' blind side if Kansas City goes with him at left tackle.

Reid has not officially named his starting five yet. Still, he indicated Benson is currently one of the five best options and said the Chiefs will go with whichever combination gives them the best group.

The uncertainty up front makes Mahomes' return even more important.

Andy Reid expects Mahomes to be ready for Broncos

While Simmons' status took a hit, Reid delivered much better news about his quarterback.

"Pretty good chance Patrick will go ahead and start, unless something were to come up here in the next couple of days," Reid said in the same video. "But, most likely, he'll be the guy that's out there."

Mahomes has spent the offseason recovering from the knee injury he suffered against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14. He underwent surgery the following day after tearing his ACL and LCL.

The Chiefs kept Mahomes out of all three preseason games, but he has been practicing throughout his recovery. Reid said the quarterback has looked like himself despite wearing a brace.

"He's shown everything there," Reid said. "Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal."

Kansas City will open its campaign on Monday night against Denver, with Mahomes expected back under center. The bigger question may be who lines up in front of him.

Written by

Evince Das