KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs fans won’t have to wait much longer to see Patrick Mahomes play.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Tuesday said that barring any unforeseen setbacks, Mahomes “most likely” will start the team’s season opener against the Broncos on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
“He’s shown everything there,” Reid said. “He hasn’t missed a day, and you guys have seen him out there. What he looks like running around and doing his stuff.
“Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. He’s running around the same way he’s always been and throwing the ball like he’s always done. So, I think he’ll be fine there.”
Mahomes had been held out of game action all preseason but has been practicing since training camp. Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee in December and had surgery soon afterward and was already back on the field in May for OTAs. Mahomes was then cleared to practice with no restrictions right before training camp began in July.
While Reid said Mahomes will likely start, it’s doubtful starting left tackle Josh Simmons will play against the Broncos as he has a lingering back issue. Simmons, a first-round pick last season, sustained the injury nearly a month ago, and Reid said there’s no timetable for his return.
Reid said undrafted free agent out of Indiana Kahlil Benson could start at left tackle, with veteran Jaylon Moore possibly starting at right tackle, though that wasn’t official.
“We try to play the five best guys,” Reid said. “Josh has been rehabbing and working his tail off. It’s a matter of time here, but he continues to work hard.”