Kahlil Benson expected to start at left tackle for Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1

Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson is expected to start at left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Week 1 season opener against the Denver Broncos. The decision comes as starter Josh Simmons remains sidelined due to a lower back injury.

Benson, a former Indiana and Colorado player, joined the Chiefs after a tryout at their rookie camp and has since progressed through the depth chart. Head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in the rookie, stating, “He’s obviously shown us that he has the ability to play, and we wouldn’t put him in there if we didn’t think that.”

This move marks a rare occurrence for the franchise; under Andy Reid, the Chiefs have not previously started an undrafted rookie in a Week 1 game. Benson will be tasked with protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is making his first game appearance since recovering from knee ligament injuries sustained in December.