Mahomes aims for Week 1 return vs Broncos on Sept 14

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is pushing to be ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season as he continues his recovery from a major knee injury suffered last December. The three-time Super Bowl champion reiterated his goal to play in the Week 1 home opener against the Denver Broncos on September 14 during an interview on July 15, though he acknowledged the final decision rests with the team's medical and coaching staff.

Mahomes, 30, tore the ACL and LCL in his left leg during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2025, an injury that ended his season and contributed to the Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. He underwent surgery the following day and has been engaged in an intensive rehabilitation program since. In his recent comments, Mahomes described the process as long but said he is in a good spot, emphasizing a daily focus on incremental improvement.

The significance of the season-opening opponent adds a clear layer of motivation. The Broncos won the AFC West division last season while Kansas City finished third. Mahomes stated he does not want to miss the chance to compete against the team that dethroned the Chiefs,...