The Kansas City Chiefs are set to return to practice on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid kicked off his weekly media availability on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with an update on the team’s roster. He dove into the injury situation ahead of Week 1 vs. the Denver Broncos, addressing the biggest questions after training camp and the preseason.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirms Patrick Mahomes will start Week 1… unless

It’s been no secret that the Chiefs have expected QB Patrick Mahomes to be the starter in Week 1. He’s been on track to start since he was fully cleared for contact practices at the onset of training camp. Remember, he’s only nine months removed from a season-ending ACL/LCL injury.

As things currently stand, Chiefs HC Andy Reid expects Mahomes to be the Week 1 starter. The only way that would change is if something unforeseen occurred in practice leading up to the game.

“As far as our roster goes, pretty good chance that Patrick (Mahomes) will go ahead and start unless something were to come up here in the next couple of days,” Reid said. “But most likely, he’ll be the guy that’s out there.”

What did Mahomes show to Coach Reid that led to this decision? He showed him that he’s still himself.

“Yeah, I mean he showed everything there,” Reid said. “He hasn’t missed a day, as you know, and you guys have seen him out there. So, you know what it looks like, him running around and doing his stuff. Having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. I mean, he’s running around the same way he’s always done, and throwing the ball like he’s always done. So, I think we’re fine there.”

Chiefs starting LT Josh Simmons unlikely to play in Week 1

One of the biggest questions heading into Week 1 is Josh Simmons’ availability as he deals with a back injury. Chiefs HC Andy Reid set the record straight on this injury situation on Tuesday.

“As far as Josh Simmons goes, I know that’s another question people have. We’ll just see where that goes. But if he’s not able to go, then we’ll be in with Kahlil (Benson) at that spot, and we’ll roll from there. We obviously try to play the five best guys, so it’s not that we make that decision on them. But again, Josh (Simmons) is rehabbing; he’s working his tail off. This isn’t anything other than him having an issue with his back, and it’s just a matter of time here. So, he continues to work hard with Rick (Burkholder) and do his part there.”

As things stand on Tuesday, Reid doesn’t have a lot of confidence in Simmons’ ability to be ready to play for Week 1. Three practice sessions remain, and nothing is definitive until they’re over.

“Yeah, I mean, listen, there’s a good chance Josh (Simmons) doesn’t play this week,” Reid said. “I mean, that’s where we’re at. I mean, it’s that. So we have that in our mind, and I mean, he’s got an issue there that he’s working through, and I’m not putting any time restraint on when he can come back or when he could practice and how many practices he needs and all that. I just want to make sure he’s healthy and okay to go. So, but other than that, we move forward.”

If Simmons doesn’t play, Reid suggested that UDFA rookie OT Kahlil Benson would fill in for him at left tackle.

Chamarri Conner ‘a stretch’ to play, but Alohi Gilman good to go

The Chiefs have a few injuries in the safety room they have to navigate. Chamarri Conner has been out of practice and preseason with a knee injury. Alohi Gilman had his back tighten up on him ahead of preseason Week 2.

“Chamarri (Conner) would be the stretch,” Reid said. “The other guys, yes, (Alohi) Gilman. He was out there practicing and doing his thing. He’ll be ready to go, I think.”

With Conner unlikely to play, look for a bigger snap share for preseason standout Jaden Hicks. He’ll get looks alongside Gilman and Chris Roland-Wallace in Week 1.

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is looking good for Week 1 after progressing from knee surgery

Chiefs fourth-year wide receiver Rashee Rice underwent offseason debridement surgery on his previously injured knee. He’s shown the type of progress that Coach Reid has been looking for. There’s a lot of confidence that he’ll not just be available in Week 1, but he’ll look like himself.

“Yeah, I like the way he’s progressed here,” Reid said. “Coming off the knee, and every day he’s gotten better and stronger, and his endurance is better. So, he had a chance to play in the last game, a few plays, and I thought that was the last preseason game. I’m saying, and I thought that was important, but I think he’ll be fine going into this game.”