The Kansas City Chiefs have enough deficiencies on the roster and questions about quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ return from an ACL injury for one to argue that this team may go only as far in 2026 as its offensive line can take it, in which case the Chiefs shared rather exceptional news regarding Trey Smith on Monday.
While speaking with reporters on August 24, Kansas City head coach Andy Reid noted that Smith, a two-time Pro Bowl guard over the past two seasons, will return to practice sessions in a limited capacity this week.
“It was important that he let that thing heal up,” Reid said during his media session, per Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. “It’ll pay off for him down the road.”
Smith has missed time recently with a lingering hip issue, but will practice in some form or fashion on Monday, per Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest.
The 27-year-old is the most accomplished member of the Chiefs’ offensive line, save for center Creed Humphrey who is arguably the best player at his position in the NFL.
That said, Smith is the highest-paid player in the unit, entering the second season of his four-year $94 million contract. Humphrey is earning $72 million over the same length deal and both will be free agents in the spring of 2029.
Smith had missed just one game over the first four seasons of his career in Kansas City before sitting out five contests last season due to injury concerns.
Chiefs Have Questions at Tackle, Where Undrafted Rookie Kahlil Benson May Start Week 1
GettyJosh Thompson #62, Pete Nygra #50 and Kahlil Benson #70 of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City has some interesting questions remaining at the tackle positions, where undrafted rookie Khalil Benson is poised to potentially take the starting job from veteran Jaylon Moore on the right side of the line.
“Andy Reid on Khalil Benson: “He did some good things, he’s got some things he needs to work on. He has the talent. He [opened] the gate a couple times,'” Nate Taylor of ESPN reported on social media Monday. “Reid noted that the Chiefs’ silent count was new to Benson.”
Reid noted that the Chiefs’ silent count was new to Benson.
On the left side, 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons will start after missing eight games during his rookie campaign.
Simmons missed four contests due to off-field family issues and another four after suffering a wrist injury in late November. He is currently battling a concern with his back, though Reid has said recently he expects Simmons back with the team ahead of the regular season.
Chiefs Project to Field Top 10 Offensive Line Heading Into Season
GettyCenter Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Gordon McGuiness of Pro Football Focus ranked the Chiefs’ offensive line No. 8 overall heading into the 2026 campaign.
“Simmons looks good to go ahead of the 2026 season,” McGuiness wrote August 12. “His arrival allowed them to kick Kingsley Suamataia inside to left guard, where he earned a much more respectable 64.9 PFF grade on 1,090 snaps in his second year after earning a 37.9 PFF grade on 198 snaps as a rookie.”
Kansas City doesn’t have any great options to put a blocking tight end on the field, which will limit the team’s usage of 12 and 13 personnel and put greater pressure on the O-line to protect Mahomes during passing situations.
The Chiefs also added running back Kenneth Walker III on an expensive contract this offseason, indicating an increased focus on running the football and generating more explosive plays out of the backfield. A healthy and productive offensive front will be critical to that initiative as well, particularly given the lack of blocking prowess in the TE room.
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Shares Critical Trey Smith Injury News