Patrick Mahomes is back to start on Monday night after a torn ACL last year, but get this: protecting his blind side for the opener falls squarely on the shoulders of an undrafted rookie. That’s right, Kahlil Benson, an undrafted guy out of Indiana, is set to start at left tackle, taking on one of the most critical jobs in the entire league.
Rookie Guarding the Franchise
This isn’t just any rookie starting, it’s an *undrafted* rookie being trusted to keep the most valuable asset in the NFL upright. Benson’s got to handle Mahomes’ blind side, a role that usually goes to a seasoned veteran. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid isn’t blinking, though. He’s confident, saying Benson has proved himself through camp and the preseason. Reid put it plainly: “We try to play the five best guys. We’re comfortable with Kahlil on either side and he’s been [practicing] the left side. He’s doing a nice job with it. If he has to be the left tackle, he’s the left tackle and we roll with it. That’s how that goes.” Talk about baptism by fire.
The Big Opportunity
So why the massive leap of faith in an undrafted guy for Week 1? It’s all because the expected starter, Josh Simmons, went down with a back injury three weeks ago and isn’t likely to be cleared for Monday night. That injury opened the door wide for Benson, and now he’s got an unbelievable shot. This is the definition of making the most of an opportunity in the NFL.
All eyes will be on that Monday night opener. Mahomes needs perfect protection, especially coming off that ACL injury. For Benson, this isn’t just his first start; it’s a monumental test of whether he truly is one of the “five best guys” and if he can handle the immense pressure of keeping a franchise quarterback safe. The season starts now, and the stakes could not be higher for this rookie.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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