Mahomes Set to Start Chiefs Season Opener After Knee Injury

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to start the team's season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday night, September 14, 2026, approximately nine months after suffering a season-ending knee injury. Head Coach Andy Reid confirmed Tuesday that Mahomes has a "very good chance" to play, barring any last-minute setbacks. Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15 of the previous season on December 14, 2025, an injury that ended his year and contributed to the Chiefs' 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. He underwent surgery the following day and has since been actively participating in training camp, though he was held out of all preseason games as a precautionary measure. Reid stated that Mahomes has not missed a day of practice and appears to be moving and throwing normally, with the only visible indication of his recovery being a brace on his leg. Mahomes himself has reportedly cited the team's past season and his own ranking on the NFL's Top 100 players list as motivation during his rehabilitation. The return of their two-time MVP quarterback is seen as crucial for the Chiefs' aspirations to contend for a championship.