Concern for Mahomes and the Chiefs after a sudden injury leaves him unprotected for the opener against the Broncos

Patrick Mahomes is expected to return when the Kansas City Chiefs begin their 2026 season against the Denver Broncos, but another injury has created a significant concern around his comeback.

Mahomes has spent much of his Chiefs career finding ways to keep the offense going despite things changing around him, whether it be due to injury or player moves.

This time, however, the biggest issue could be whether he has enough protection to operate effectively. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons has been sidelined since the final week of training camp after suffering a back injury, leaving his status for the season opener uncertain.

The situation has raised concerns in Kansas City, with reporter Nate Taylor suggesting Simmons ' availability could have a major influence on the Chiefs' entire offensive season.

Taylor believes Kansas City could struggle to function properly if Simmons misses an extended period or returns without being physically capable of performing at his best.

“They cannot function if Josh Simmons does not play…” Taylor said on 96.5 The Fan. “If there is no Josh Simmons for the majority of the season, or if his body is compromised to ‘where he can’t play at his absolute potential, which, in my opinion, is All-Pro level, then nothing about this season matters on offense.”

That concern is particularly important with Mahomes also returning from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 season.

Denver head coach Sean Payton, though, expects the Chiefs quarterback to be ready for the spotlight. Payton said the Broncos are preparing for Mahomes "at his best," indicating Denver isn't expecting his previous injury to limit him in Week 1.

Simmons' health could shape Kansas City's season

Simmons ' importance is evident. The young tackle played 526 offensive snaps during his rookie season and recorded a 75.4 pass-blocking grade, which ranked 25th among 89 qualifying tackles.

He allowed 18 total pressures, but his performance was encouraging enough for Kansas City to view him as a crucial piece of the offensive line.

His development has already been disrupted by injuries. While playing at Ohio State in 2024, Simmons suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury after appearing in six games.

Before that setback, he'd allowed just one quarterback hurry and no sacks or quarterback hits on 158 pass-blocking snaps.

The latest back injury has therefore arrived at an unfortunate time. Simmons missed the preseason and hasn't played since the end of training camp, leaving the Chiefs with limited recent evidence of his condition.

Head coach Andy Reid said the team is waiting for the irritation in Simmons' back to settle while the tackle continues his rehabilitation work.

Kansas City has responded by giving additional practice opportunities to other offensive linemen. Diego Pounds and Joshua Ezeudu have received extra repetitions, while Kahlil Benson has also worked more frequently with the starters.

Kansas City can't afford to make Mahomes ' return more difficult by allowing consistent pressure from his blind side. The quarterback's health will naturally dominate attention entering Monday night's matchup, but Simmons' status could prove nearly as important.

Denver has already beaten Kansas City three consecutive times and enters the season as the defending AFC West champion.

With both teams expecting their quarterbacks to be ready, the battle in the trenches could ultimately determine how well Mahomes and the Chiefs begin the new campaign.