MAHOMES SET TO START FOR CHIEFS AGAINST BRONCOS

Patrick Mahomes will start for the Kansas City Chiefs in their opening regular season match against the Denver Broncos on Monday, barring a last-minute setback, head coach Andy Reid confirmed on Tuesday. Mahomes will return to action approximately nine months after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee sustained during the previous season. Reid told reporters that Mahomes had recovered well enough to play and that the quarterback was "pretty good chance" to start, "unless something were to come up here in the next couple days."

Mahomes followed a strict rehabilitation programme to recover from his knee injury. Reid restricted Mahomes from participating in preseason games as a precautionary measure, a rare instance in the quarterback's career. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson from Indiana is expected to start at left tackle in the season opener. Josh Simmons, who was anticipated to hold the left tackle position this season, suffered a back injury three weeks ago and is unlikely to be cleared for Monday night's match.

Reid expressed confidence in Benson's ability to protect Mahomes during the opener. The head coach stated that Benson had demonstrated competence during training camp and preseason practice and that the Chiefs were "comfortable with Kahlil on either side." Reid noted that the team attempted to play its five strongest players and would proceed with Benson as the starting left tackle if necessary.