​KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 22: Josh Simmons #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the game from the sidelines during the second quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) GettyThe Kansas City Chiefs are in full preparations for their Week 1 opponent, the Denver Broncos.One of the biggest questions surrounding the Chiefs heading into that matchup is the injury status of left tackle Josh Simmons, who sustained a back injury several weeks ago. Simmons has not practiced since, putting his availability for the season opener in doubt.Kansas City Chiefs LT Josh Simmons Unlikely to Play Week 1 vs. BroncosThere’s “a good chance” Josh Simmons doesn’t play this week, per Coach Reid.— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2026Coach Andy Reid spoke to the media Tuesday afternoon, and his update on Simmons’ Week 1 availability wasn’t a positive one.“There’s a good chance Josh doesn’t play this week, that’s where we’re at,” Reid said. “We have that in our mind. He has an issue there that he’s working through. I’m not putting any time restraint on when he can come back or when he can practice and how many practices he needs and all that. I just want to make sure he’s healthy and okay to go. We move forward, that’s what we do.”Being without Simmons would be a significant blow for the Chiefs, especially against a defense as good as Denver’s — which led the NFL in sacks last season. Many believe that Simmons can have a breakout season in 2026 if he can remain healthy.Rookie Kahlil Benson Likely to Replace Josh Simmons at LTReid also mentioned Benson as Simmons’ most likely replacement at left tackle, while reiterating that Simmons is working hard to get back as quickly as possible.“If he’s (Simmons) not able to go, then we’ll be in with Kahlil at that spot, and we’ll roll from there,” Reid said. “Obviously we try to play the five best guys. We make the decision on that. Again, Josh is rehabbing and working his tail off. This isn’t anything other than him having an issue with his back. It’s a matter of time here. He continues to work hard with Rick (head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder) and do his part there.”Reid later eased off of officially confirming that it will be Benson who fills in for Simmons, but said that he is comfortable with it if that’s the route they go.“We’ll see where all that goes, I’m not telling you that,” Reid said. “We’re comfortable with Kahlil on either side. He’s been playing the left side. I feel comfortable with that, but we’ll end up playing the five best guys. And right now, he’s one of them.”Benson did receive some snaps at left tackle during preseason after Simmons went down. The other option the Chiefs have is veteran Jaylon Moore, who started four games at left tackle in place of Simmons last season. F