Cooper is currently sidelined on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List following two arrests this summer related to domestic disputes. His status will remain on hold as his legal situation unfolds.

Jonathon Cooper is an important player for the Denver Broncos as a productive edge rusher. The team clearly missed him in Week 1 against the Chiefs, where the pass rush wasn’t as effective.

Cooper was instrumental for the Broncos in 2025

Opposite Nik Bonitto, Cooper had 8.0 sacks, second-best on the Broncos. Hence, without him the Broncos are really missing a force in the defensive line. Against a team like the Jaguars, they need to put pressure on them.

However, due to being in the Exempt list, he cannot even practice. It’s still not clear when Cooper will be back until the legal issues clear out. After that, the NFL can still punish him.

The Broncos must put pressure on Trevor Lawrence

Lawrence is coming off a highly efficient Week 1 performance and has noted seeing how to counter early pressure looks. Denver’s defense must get off the field on third down, an area where Jacksonville excelled previously.

If Lawrence has time to throw, he can decimate secondaries with his accuracy and the plethora of weapons the Jags have at their disposal. Hence, it will be key to make him feel uncomfortable if the Broncos want to win.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it looks like Harvey is not suiting up. “Broncos RB R.J. Harvey, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Jaguars due to a hamstring injury, is unlikely to play, per source,” Schefter said.

Harvey is predominantly the third-down, pass-catching back of the Broncos. When initially drafted, Harvey was expected to be an absolute workhorse, but he wasn’t able to convince head coach Sean Payton to be an all-snap back.

How did RJ Harvey do in Week 1?

Harvey had three rushing attempts for 18 yards in Week 1 against the Chiefs but the script didn’t favor the running backs. However, he co-led the Broncos with four receptions on four targets for 23 yards.

He ended Week 1 as the third-most productive Broncos player vs Chiefs. Harvey had 41 total yards. Hence, it wasn’t the best performance, but he still was one of the best players for Denver.

Broncos RB depth chart vs Jaguars

JK Dobbins will get the most snaps as the starting running back for the Broncos against the Jaguars. Without Harvey, rookie Jonah Coleman will step into the RB2 role.

Stepping in as the No.3 running back, the veteran Tyler Badie will be available but fully expect him to be involved in pass-blocking duties. He shouldn’t be getting snaps over Dobbins or Coleman.

Speaking with reporters following the game, Walker made sure to credit his teammates. “It means a lot, but first off, you have to give credit to the offensive line – they did a great job tonight of making mine and Emmett’s (Johnson) job much easier to go out there and run the ball,” Walker said. “Tight ends and our receivers as well. It means a lot. We have to keep stacking everything that we’ve started.”

“It means a lot. It means they trust me. It’s good to feel that way,” Walker added. “When we first came out, we got the fourth down, and we still ran the ball – they trust the run game and trust what we can do; we just want to keep stacking on that.”

Walker’s performance

Walker expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to serve as an all-around back — capable of playing in any game situation — while logging 26 touches in his Chiefs debut. He specifically sought this role during free agency after sharing backfield duties during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.

The reigning Super Bowl MVP finished with an impressive 173 rushing yards on 23 carries and a touchdown, while adding three receptions for 18 yards and another score. Additionally, he formed a key duo with Patrick Mahomes, who showed complete trust in him.

To put it in perspective, Walker III accumulated more rushing yards than any other player in Week 1. For Walker, the performance surpassed everything he achieved during his four years with the Seahawks. His previous career high dated back to his rookie season, when he ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-23 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now that Walker is reaching new heights with the Chiefs, it leaves open the question of whether the Seahawks made a mistake by not bringing him back after he won the Super Bowl MVP award for the 2026 NFL season.

Cooper is unavailable, as he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. Due to a couple of arrests this summer surrounding domestic disputes, a further legal process will play out for Cooper. He has become an impactful pressure creator on Denver’s defense. As a result, his absence will greatly impact both his team and the Chiefs during the Monday Night Football matchup.

Cooper cannot practice or play in games until the NFL makes an updated ruling on his roster status. In the meantime, Denver still has strong depth at the position.

What the Broncos lose without Cooper

The Broncos enter one of the most anticipated matchups of the week, which already features defined starting and backup quarterbacks alongside a scheduled halftime show. Still, the primary narrative centers on what Denver will lose without Cooper on the field.

To start, his speed and initial burst as a pass rusher will be sorely missed along Denver‘s defensive line. His combination of flexibility, lateral agility, and overall athleticism puts opposing blockers in difficult situations. This can cause offensive tackles to overset, lose balance, or arrive late to the key spot needed to contain him.

Cooper also possesses great length, utilizing long arms to win hand-to-hand battles in the trenches. He is capable of converting speed into power in tight spaces. Furthermore, thanks to his relentless motor and energy, Cooper helps his defense by pursuing the ball on second-effort plays when a play extends.

Which Broncos players will see increased playing time?

Cooper’s absence will mean more snaps for Jonah Elliss on the opposite side of Nik Bonitto. Elliss enters his third professional NFL season; over his previous two, he accumulated 23 pressures and 7.5 sacks. Elliss is likely to handle the majority of snaps while Cooper is sidelined.

On the other hand, players like Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman could see increased rotational minutes. Robinson played in just six games and recorded 0.5 sacks during his rookie season last year. Meanwhile, Tillman has compiled nine sacks and 24 combined pressures over the past two seasons.

The answer is simple: the Chiefs decided to part with veteran running back Isiah Pacheco earlier this year as they looked to rebuild their offense after a failed 2025 campaign. Pacheco quickly found work with the Detroit Lions, who signed him to a one-year contract in free agency.

However, even if Pacheco were still with the Chiefs, he would not have been available to play. While Detroit’s ground game was already spearheaded by speedy rusher Jahmyr Gibbs, Pacheco was expected to make an immediate impact for the Lions as a second or third option in the team’s offensive backfield.

What happened to Pacheco?

Instead, Pacheco found himself on Detroit’s injured reserve list to start the 2026 season, failing to make his debut in the Lions’ Week 1 overtime win against the New Orleans Saints on September 13.

With Pacheco on the sideline, Detroit leaned on Gibbs in the running game, giving the former Alabama Crimson Tide star 29 carries in its 31-30 victory over New Orleans. Crucially, Pacheco is dealing with an injury that is not expected to continue impacting his play long-term, but parting ways was one of those tough decisions the Chiefs had to make for upcoming NFL seasons.

The Chiefs’ history with Pacheco and new-look offense

In recent years, the Chiefs have lacked a dominant ground attack due to constant injuries suffered by former starting running back Pacheco. For that reason, they decided to let him walk in free agency this year, signing Kenneth Walker in his place—who was the MVP of the last Super Bowl while playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

With Walker, they will look to establish the ground game from the start and relieve some pressure from Mahomes, who already has his backup QB defined for the matchup, as does Bo Nix.

In the air, Travis Kelce, who is expected to play today, and Rashee Rice must prove themselves as they continue to serve as his primary weapons. They will have to do a better job this year, especially after their preseason performances, where they appeared out of shape and lacked sync with Mahomes.

The Chiefs are coming off a 6-11 season, which is their worst since 2012. Hence, it’s very important for them to start off with a win. Mahomes, who is playing vs. Broncos, will make his return from a torn ACL.

Travis Kelce will also play vs Broncos, so the Chiefs should be ready to go. Given recent history, the fact that the Broncos are the team to beat is quite rare, but that’s how this Week 1 is playing out to be.

What happens if Chiefs win vs. Broncos?

A win for the Chiefs would be a statement. The Broncos are a Super Bowl contender, so a Chiefs win not only puts them 1-0 and with a tiebreaker advantage, but it’s also a message to the rest of the NFL. For the Broncos, falling to 0-1 is not positive, but this is one of the toughest away games on their schedule, so they could leave with that.

What happens if Chiefs and Broncos tie?

It is a highly unusual result, but ties can happen in the NFL. For this to be the case, the game would have to end in a draw in both the full fourth quarters and then an overtime. Both teams would fall to an 0-0-1 record, above the Chargers, who lost to the Cardinals, and below the Raiders, who beat the Dolphins.

What happens if Chiefs lose vs Broncos?

A loss against the Broncos would be tough for the Chiefs. Not only would they fall to 0-1, but this is a home game against a divisional rival. For the Broncos, if they go 1-0, they have a real opportunity to sweep the Chiefs. Also, Denver would take the lead in the AFC West standings.

Retired Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson will perform the national anthem before the game. He has sung the “Star-Spangled Banner” at nearly 1,000 events over more than 25 years, including NFL playoff games.

The performance is part of a larger pregame ceremony. Before he takes the field, the Chiefs will hold a unified moment of silence marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, followed by a field-sized flag presentation.

Who is Generald Wilson?

Generald Wilson is a retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class and one of the country’s most sought-after national anthem performers. The Kinloch, Missouri native has performed the national anthem over more than 25 years.

He served 20 years in the United States Navy, adding a military connection to a performance that has become a familiar part of major sporting events across the country.

This is also not his first appearance at Arrowhead. The Chiefs, who will wear their usual uniforms today, previously selected the retired Navy serviceman to perform the national anthem for their 2025 home opener, making his return for the 2026 season another familiar moment for the Kansas City crowd.

What time is the national anthem before Chiefs vs Broncos?

The national anthem is scheduled for 8:11 PM ET before Chiefs vs. Broncos on Monday Night Football. The Chiefs’ official game-day timeline lists the anthem at 7:11 p.m. local time in Kansas City.

What other pregame ceremonies are planned?

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos will feature a moment of silence, a field-sized American flag, the national anthem, a B-2 Spirit flyover and a ceremonial presentation of the colors.

The moment of silence will take place before the anthem and will honor the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Season Ticket Members will also hold a field-sized flag during the pregame ceremony.

Immediately after his performance, a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber will conduct a ceremonial flyover. The aircraft will fly out of Whiteman Air Force Base, located south of Knob Noster, Missouri. The Lee’s Summit Fire Department will also present the colors before the game.

One additional tribute will come at halftime, when the University of Kansas Marching Jayhawks perform. The band has more than 100 years of tradition and received the 1989 Sudler Trophy, described by the Chiefs as the highest honor for college marching bands

The appearance is part of Kansas City’s home-opening festivities as the Chiefs begin the 2026 NFL regular season. The halftime show adds a local college-football flavor to a night already packed with tradition.

Beyond the halftime performance, Monday night’s entertainment includes a pregame ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, with a field-sized flag, the National Anthem and a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber flyover.

Who are the University of Kansas Marching Jayhawks?

The University of Kansas Marching Jayhawks are the marching band from the University of Kansas. Their performance comes as the Chiefs welcome Denver for the first game of the 2026 campaign.

Their activities extend beyond football: the group also provides pep bands for Kansas women’s volleyball and the school’s men’s and women’s basketball programs. The band has also received one of the biggest honors available to collegiate marching ensembles.

They were awarded the 1989 Sudler Trophy, an honor the Chiefs describe as the highest distinction for college marching bands. Their appearance at Arrowhead therefore brings a major piece of Kansas collegiate tradition into an NFL setting.

What time does the Chiefs vs Broncos halftime show start?

The Chiefs vs. Broncos halftime show is expected to begin around 9:45 PM ET on Monday, September 14, although there is no exact scheduled start time because halftime begins after the first half of the game ends.

The game-day schedule lists the pregame events precisely — including the 8:11 PM ET National Anthem, the 8:12 PM ET flyover, the 8:13 PM ET coin toss and the 8:15 PM ET kickoff — but does not assign a clock time to the halftime show.

Travis Kelce is expected to play, and also to be an important part of this offense. He has unmatched chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who should be playing vs Broncos, and will be a reliable escape valve.

Being at home, Kelce will get the crowd going again. In fact, head coach Andy Reid told the press, “He’s focused in and ready to go, and I appreciate that, when you have somebody who’s been here 14 years and wants to be out there every snap… he’s going to play and play hard and be aggressive and not be stopped, and that’s contagious.”

Kelce himself needs a bounce back season

Kelce will enter his 14th season in the NFL. By his standards, the 13th year was not a good one. He faced a statistical dip last year during the Chiefs’ tough 6-11 campaign. However, he still led the team with 76 receptions, 851 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

Kelce admitted he wants to play at a higher level, improve his blocking, and be a stronger leader for his teammates. Many expect this to be his final run, making him eager to avoid ending his career on a down note.

The Broncos are a tough test for Kelce

Kelce has historically dominated the Broncos. However, recent improvements have make them a much tougher test for the tight end. Denver’s defensive coordinator Vance Joseph puts Jahdae Barron in man-to-man coverage to limit Kelce’s advantage over linebackers.

In their last meeting in December 2025, the Broncos’ defensive adjustments held Kelce to a quiet 5 catches for 36 yards. The Broncos secured a 20-13 victory over the Chiefs. Now, the tight end must overcome a scheme designed to make his life tougher.

How to watch Chiefs vs Broncos in the USA

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos Week 1 matchup will be available to watch on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes in the United States. Also, Fans can stream the game through Fubo Sports and ESPN Unlimited.

Can I watch Chiefs vs Broncos for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, and its official Chiefs-Broncos page displays the option to start watching for $0 today.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Chiefs and Broncos begin the 2026 regular season with a divisional matchup that immediately puts the AFC West under the spotlight. Denver enters the game as the reigning division champion after finishing 14-3 in 2025, while Kansas City went 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Broncos’ breakthrough also ended Kansas City‘s run of nine consecutive AFC West titles.

There is an additional storyline at quarterback. Patrick Mahomes is set to return for Kansas City after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 15 last year, while Denver’s Bo Nix is also coming back from the injury that forced him to miss the Broncos’ AFC Championship Game loss to New England.

Mahomes had 3,587 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in 14 games in 2025, while Nix finished last season with 3,931 passing yards. Denver also brings one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushes into the matchup.

The Broncos recorded 68 sacks in 2025, the most in the league, with Nik Bonitto leading the team with 14. That group will face a Kansas City offensive line dealing with an important absence, as tackle Josh Simmons has been ruled out.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, have added reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to an offense that still features Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.

What time is the Chiefs vs Broncos match?

The Chiefs vs Broncos game kicks off today, Monday, September 14, at 8:15 PM ET from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. For viewers across the United States, these are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 8:15 PM
• Central Time: 7:15 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:15 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:15 PM

Denver has already drawn attention with its uniform choice for the road game, while Kansas City’s look at Arrowhead adds another detail to watch as the teams make their first appearances of the season.

So, what uniforms are the teams wearing tonight? Here is the latest breakdown of the helmet, jersey and pants combinations for Monday Night Football in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.

What uniforms are the Chiefs and Broncos wearing tonight?

The Chiefs are wearing their red-on-red uniform combination, while the Broncos are going with an all-Summit White look. Kansas City will be in its traditional red helmet, red jersey and red pants at Arrowhead Stadium, while Denver will wear Summit White helmets, jerseys, pants and socks.

Kansas City’s red-on-red combination has become one of the team’s most recognizable looks, particularly for primetime games at Arrowhead. The official site has identified the red-on-red set for their matchup with Denver, giving the home team a familiar appearance for Patrick Mahomes’ return to regular-season action.

Denver’s choice is a little more distinctive. The Broncos announced that they will wear Summit White helmets with Summit White jerseys, pants and socks, creating a complete all-white uniform from head to toe.

The team previously used the same combination in its Christmas Day victory over Kansas City in 2025, the only other occasion on which Denver had worn the full Summit White set.

The matchup also creates a sharp contrast on the field: Kansas City’s red against Denver’s white. The Broncos’ all-white combination is possible because of an NFL rule change introduced in 2025 that allowed teams to pair alternate helmets with their primary uniform sets.