Patrick Mahomes appears ready to return to the field for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. The quarterback has made a full recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered last season and is on track to start the opener.
Mahomes has been a full participant during training camp, giving the Chiefs plenty of reason to feel confident about his availability.
What Happened to Patrick Mahomes?
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee on December 14, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He underwent successful surgery in Dallas shortly after the injury, with Dr. Dan Cooper performing the procedure.
The Chiefs took a cautious approach during the preseason, keeping Mahomes out of all preseason games to avoid any unnecessary risk.
However, his recovery has gone well. Mahomes, who ranked 11th on PFN’s QB Impact Metric last season, returned to full practice during training camp and has not needed rest days. He has also said he feels comfortable making plays and running during practice.
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“We’re gonna be a new version of the Chiefs that goes out there and dominates the same way the old one did,” Mahomes said, looking ahead to the new season.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on the new season:
“We’re gonna be a new version of the Chiefs that goes out there and dominates the same way the old one did.”#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/zMFfqXfAOI
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) September 1, 2026
Kansas City will open the 2026 regular season at home against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium.
The game is scheduled for Monday, September 14, at 7:15 p.m. local time, and the matchup will be nationally broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
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The matchup also features two quarterbacks returning from major injuries. Mahomes is coming back from his knee surgery, while Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is returning from ankle surgery after helping Denver win the AFC West last season.
Chiefs Have Several Other Injury Concerns
Mahomes isn’t the only player the Chiefs are monitoring ahead of the opener.
Offensive tackle Josh Simmons is dealing with a lingering back issue that required further evaluation late in the preseason. Running back Kenneth Walker III experienced some ankle and foot swelling in late August but is expected to be ready for Week 1.
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Guard Trey Smith is also working his way back after a hip injury kept him out for much of August.
Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott continues to recover from a previous knee and ACL injury and is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Will Patrick Mahomes Play in Week 1?
Everything points toward Mahomes starting the season opener.
Mahomes is back to full practice and has avoided any rest days. After sitting out the preseason as a precaution, he is on track to start for the Chiefs against Denver in Week 1.
