Chiefs' Josh Simmons Back Injury Lingers; Kahlil Benson Steps In at Left Tackle

As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the spotlight has shifted from Patrick Mahomes' brilliance to a growing concern along the offensive line. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons, a second-year player expected to anchor the blind side for years to come, has been sidelined for over a week with a back injury, and the lack of clarity surrounding his recovery is beginning to raise eyebrows across the league. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has been tracking this situation closely, and the latest update from head coach Andy Reid does little to ease the anxiety of Chiefs Kingdom.

Andy Reid's Vague Update Raises Questions

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Reid confirmed that Simmons would not play in the upcoming preseason finale and that rookie Kahlil Benson would get the nod at left tackle. When pressed for specifics on Simmons' condition, Reid remained characteristically tight-lipped. "Just getting his back checked out," Reid said. "That's the main thing. I mean, he was doing good when he was in there, [but] he's got the back. Like any other injury, we've got to make sure and see if it's right or what's wrong with it." For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, this ambiguity is unsettling. Simmons, who showed promise as a rookie, was expected to be a cornerstone of the offensive line, protecting Mahomes' blind side. Any prolonged absence could force the Chiefs to adjust their protection schemes or rely on unproven depth.

Kahlil Benson: The Next Man Up

With Simmons sidelined, all eyes turn to Kahlil Benson, a rookie who has been shuffled along the offensive line throughout training camp. Benson began camp as the starting right tackle, shifted to right guard when Trey Smith went down, and now finds himself at left tackle. Despite the musical chairs, Benson has impressed coaches with his versatility and football IQ. As highlighted on Vulius, Benson's ability to step in and perform at a high level will be critical if Simmons' injury lingers into the regular season. The Chiefs' coaching staff has confidence in him, but asking a rookie to protect Mahomes' blind side against elite pass rushers is a tall order.

Chiefs Bolster Line with Joshua Ezeudu Trade

In a proactive move, the Chiefs recently acquired offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu from the New York Giants in exchange for a late-round draft pick. The trade, which received a B- grade from CBS Sports, adds much-needed depth to a unit that has been hit hard by injuries. Ezeudu, a former top-70 pick, has shown flashes of competence in limited action, and the Chiefs' track record of developing offensive line talent suggests he could be a valuable asset. However, as the analysis points out, Ezeudu is a backup at best, and if he's forced into significant snaps, Kansas City could find itself in a precarious position.

Cornerback Battle and Other Roster Notes

Beyond the offensive line, the Chiefs are also dealing with a crowded cornerback room. Kader Kohou, who missed all of 2025 with a torn ACL, is fighting for a roster spot on a one-year deal. He showed promise in 2024 with the Dolphins, but the Chiefs have a logjam at cornerback with Mansoor Delane, Nohl Williams, Kristian Fulton, rookie Jadon Canady, L'Jarius Sneed, and Kaiir Elam all competing for snaps. Pro Football Focus lists Kohou as one of 10 players on the roster bubble, and his performance in the preseason finale could determine his fate.

Looking Ahead

As the Chiefs prepare for the regular season, the health of Josh Simmons remains a critical storyline. The team's ability to protect Mahomes and establish a running game will hinge on the offensive line's stability. With Benson and Ezeudu as potential fill-ins, Kansas City has options, but none are ideal replacements for a starter of Simmons' caliber. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to monitor this situation as it develops, providing insights and analysis for fans who demand the best. For now, Chiefs fans can only hope that Simmons' back issue is minor and that the young tackle will be ready to anchor the line when the games truly matter.