Broncos Face Injured Chiefs
Broncos Face Injury-Depleted Chiefs in Monday Night Football Season Opener
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Key Points
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Kansas City was swept by Denver last season, while Patrick Mahomes suffered torn ACL and LCL injuries; Monday’s game would mark his first appearance since last December.
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Denver last opened a season on Monday Night Football in 2022, losing by one point to the Seattle Seahawks.
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If Josh Simmons cannot play, Kansas City could turn to Kahlil Benson or Diego Pounds at left tackle, potentially giving Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto a favorable matchup against Mahomes’ protection.
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Chris Jones recorded a sack and two combined tackles in each of Denver’s two victories over Kansas City last season, underscoring the potential impact of his calf injury on the rematch.
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Kansas City had 11 players on its Friday injury report, compared with only Marvin Mims Jr. for Denver; the Chiefs planned another practice Saturday before issuing their final game statuses.
The Denver Broncos will start their 2026 season on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs with just one player on the injury report. Receiver and returner Marvin Mims Jr. is listed but participated fully in practice, while quarterback Bo Nix is healthy and ready USA Today.
Kansas City faces more uncertainty heading into the rivalry matchup. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons is ruled out with a back injury, forcing the Chiefs to start undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson Yahoo Sports. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Chris Jones is newly limited with a calf injury Yahoo Sports.
Mahomes Returns After Knee Recovery
Patrick Mahomes is set to make his first appearance since last December after suffering torn ACL and LCL injuries. The Chiefs quarterback fully participated in Saturday practice and is not on the injury report Yahoo Sports. His health is critical for Kansas City's offense as the team seeks to rebound from a 6-11 season.
Broncos Primed to Attack Weakened Line
Denver's pass rusher Nik Bonitto could face a favorable matchup if Josh Simmons cannot play. Kansas City plans to start rookie Kahlil Benson or Diego Pounds at left tackle USA Today. The Broncos swept the Chiefs last season and are favored to exploit the defensive line weakness.
Chris Jones' Calf Injury Clouds Chiefs Defense
Defensive tackle Chris Jones was newly listed as limited with a calf injury just days before the opener. Last season, Jones recorded a sack and two combined tackles in each of Denver's two victories over Kansas City USA Today. His absence could significantly weaken the Chiefs' defensive line against a strong Broncos passing attack.
Injury Report Disparity Shows Team Health Gap
The injury report totals tell the story of two teams in different health situations. Kansas City had 11 players on its Friday injury report USA Today, while Denver listed only Marvin Mims Jr. The Broncos are coming off a 14-3 campaign, while the Chiefs are rebuilding after their worst season in years.
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