An undrafted rookie from Indiana will take on a critical assignment in the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener Monday night. Kahlil Benson, who was part of the Hoosiers’ national championship team, is set to start at left tackle against the Denver Broncos, tasked with protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he returns from an ACL injury.
Benson’s opportunity comes due to the injury status of expected starter Josh Simmons, who is dealing with a back injury. Chiefs coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in the rookie’s abilities, noting that the team is comfortable deploying Benson on either side of the offensive line and that he has performed well during practice preparations at the left tackle position.
Multiple Indiana players are beginning their NFL careers in Week 1. Among the drafted Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall by Las Vegas, while Omar Cooper Jr. goes to the New York Jets at number 30. Other Indiana products distributed across the league include D’Angelo Ponds and several mid-round selections heading to teams like San Francisco, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Houston.
The Chiefs face the Broncos in Monday’s primetime matchup, which will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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