Simmons sits out Chiefs opener against Denver
The turf at Arrowhead Stadium waits for a lineup that may never form as planned. Josh Simmons, the anchor of the Chiefs' left side, watches from the sideline as the Broncos prepare for their Week 1 clash.
The September air hangs heavy over the practice fields, thick with the scent of cut grass and the distant thud of pads. Second-year offensive lineman Josh Simmons does not take the field. He sits in the stands, a silent observer to the drills that will shape his team's opening night. The absence is palpable, a void in the rhythm of the offensive line that the staff must now fill with quick thinking and depth.
Head coach Andy Reid has made his stance clear: the back injury is real, and the doubt is deep. According to Chiefs Senior Team Reporter Matt McMullen, Simmons was held out of the first full team session on Thursday, September 10. This is not a precautionary rest; it is a medical reality that threatens to derail the planned hierarchy before the season even begins.
Reid voices doubt for opener
The former Ohio State Buckeye was drafted as a cornerstone, expected to command the left tackle position with the authority of a first-round pick. Instead, he faces a sideline debut. The decision to sit him out of the Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos on 'Monday Night Football' signals a serious concern about his mobility and durability. The medical staff and Reid are playing it safe, prioritizing long-term health over a single, high-pressure game.
Benson steps into shadow
With Simmons on the bench, rookie Kahlil Benson rises up the depth chart. The young lineman, listed as the second-string left tackle, now carries the weight of immediate expectation. Benson has spent the offseason in the shadows, learning the playbook and absorbing the intensity of the system. Now, the spotlight shifts abruptly, demanding he perform under the brightest lights in the NFL without the safety net of a veteran mentor on the field.
Injury clouds the horizon
The timeline for Simmons' return remains uncertain, but the likelihood of missing at least one game is high. The Chiefs must navigate this gap with precision, relying on their depth and the resilience of their roster. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the situation is fluid, but the immediate threat is clear: the Chiefs start their season without their intended left tackle, a change that could ripple through every offensive play.
