Chiefs injury snapshot: Mahomes likely to start; Simmons and Conner uncertain for Week 1

Andy Reid provided a compact but consequential injury update with the Chiefs preparing to face the Broncos on Monday Night Football. The comments touched on Kansas City's most pivotal player, its top receiver, the starting left tackle and the team's safety rotation.

Reid said Patrick Mahomes has hit the recovery milestones the team wanted to see after suffering multiple torn ligaments in December. Mahomes has not missed a day of rehabbing, continues to run and throw in a manner Reid described as normal, and is wearing a brace on his leg. Reid's expectation is that Mahomes will start Week 1 unless something emerges in the days immediately before the game.

Rashee Rice: cleared for normal workload

Rashee Rice's offseason included a short jail sentence and a cleanup procedure on a 2024 knee injury. He was limited for much of training camp but has progressed every day, gaining strength and endurance and even getting into the last preseason game for a few plays. Reid does not anticipate restrictions for Rice heading into the opener.

Left tackle Josh Simmons has been out of practice since midway through training camp with a back ailment. Reid acknowledged there is a "good chance" the team will play without its starting blindside blocker at Denver. That language suggests Simmons is trending toward being unavailable but leaves room for a late decision.

The teams will publish official injury reports Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Reid's comments give a practical preview: the Chiefs expect their offense to operate with Mahomes and Rice in place, while the offensive line and safety positions may require adjustments depending on Simmons and Conner.

• Thursday–Saturday official injury reports for confirmation and practice designations.
• Any late developments around Simmons' back that could force the team to set an alternate left tackle plan.
• Whether Gilman's recent practice work translates to a full game-ready role if Conner can't go.

Kansas City projects to enter Week 1 with its core offensive operators — Mahomes and Rice — available. The primary concerns are the blindside at left tackle and depth at safety, areas that could affect game planning and personnel usage depending on final practice reports.