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No Surprises Among Chiefs-Broncos Inactives for Monday Night Football

PUBLISHED Sep 14, 2026, 7:14 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 23

Left 4%

Center 96%

Sources: 23

The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos released their official inactive lists ahead of Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium, featuring no unexpected lineup changes. Kansas City ruled out offensive tackle Josh Simmons and safety Chamarri Conner due to previously disclosed injuries. The Chiefs designated quarterback Garrett Nussmeier as their emergency third quarterback alongside tight end Jared Wiley, offensive tackle Diego Pounds, defensive tackle Bryson Eason, and linebacker Jack Pyburn. Denver reported no injuries and listed quarterback Sam Ehlinger, running back Tyler Badie, offensive lineman Kage Casey, tight end Dallen Bentley, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, and defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim as healthy scratches. Sam Ehlinger serves as Denver's emergency third quarterback, leaving Jarrett Stidham as the primary backup to Bo Nix. Both teams head into the Week 1 primetime matchup with their core projected starting lineups intact for the AFC West divisional opener on this Monday night prime time slate.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 10, 2026, Kansas City listed Simmons practice limited.
On September 11, 2026, Chamarri Conner sustained a knee issue.
On September 12, 2026, coaches officially ruled out two starters.
On September 13, 2026, Denver reported zero final injury designations.
On September 14, 2026, franchises submitted official active roster sheets.
On September 15, 2026, Garrett Nussmeier became Chiefs third quarterback.
On September 15, 2026, Sam Ehlinger became Broncos third quarterback.
On September 15, 2026, Patrick Mahomes cleared full medical clearance.
On September 15, 2026, Bo Nix led Denver onto field.
On September 15, 2026, game officials confirmed zero new injuries.
Coming days will reveal early performance metrics for starting quarterbacks.
Coming weeks will test divisional standings across the American Football Conference.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: AFC West teams begin regular season without major roster surprises.
Possible long-term US impact: Early division results shape American Football Conference playoff race trajectories.
Most affected groups: Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos players, fans, and coaches.
Reader Prioritization: Monitor official NFL injury reports and verified team lineup disclosures.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 23
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 22

Explain Framing

Left: Highlights competitive balance and divisional parity across AFC West. Center: Focuses strictly on official roster updates and tactical depth chart impacts. Right: Emphasizes veteran leadership return and championship pedigree narratives.

Primary Source

National Football League official game-day roster announcement filed before kickoff on September 15, 2026. https://www.chiefs.com/news/week-1-inactive-players-broncos-vs-chiefs

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 23
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 22
Distribution:: Left 4%, Center 96%, Right 0%

Explain Framing

Primary Source

National Football League official game-day roster announcement filed before kickoff on September 15, 2026. https://www.chiefs.com/news/week-1-inactive-players-broncos-vs-chiefs