Patrick Mahomes is expected to be back under center when the Kansas City Chiefs open the 2026 NFL season against the Denver Broncos.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that there is a strong chance Mahomes will start the Week 1 matchup, with the quarterback’s return coming roughly nine months after suffering tears to his ACL and LCL in his left knee. Reid did leave the door open for a change if Mahomes experiences an unexpected setback before Monday night’s game.
The news is a major boost for Kansas City after Mahomes’ injury ended his 2025 season. The Chiefs struggled without their franchise quarterback down the stretch, losing their final six games and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Mahomes has spent the offseason working his way back from the injury, and the rehabilitation process has gone according to plan. He was cleared to fully participate in practice before training camp and has continued progressing throughout the preseason.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP has made it clear that returning for Week 1 has been his goal throughout the recovery process. Mahomes previously said he wanted to be ready to play without restrictions, although he acknowledged that the final decision would depend on his doctors and coaches.
Now, that goal appears to be becoming reality.
Mahomes will face an important test immediately against a Denver Broncos team that won the AFC West last season. The Chiefs will also be hoping their star quarterback can quickly regain his form after missing the final portion of last season.
For Kansas City, having Mahomes back changes everything.
The Chiefs enter 2026 looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, and their chances of returning to championship contention take a major step forward with No. 15 expected to be on the field.
Patrick Mahomes is back and the NFL’s Week 1 just got a whole lot more interesting.
