Head coach Andy Reid anticipates Patrick Mahomes returning for the Kansas City Chiefs’ season-opening game.
The Chiefs commence their season with an AFC West showdown against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Mahomes is expected to start in his first game since tearing his ACL on Dec. 14.
Reid delivered an encouraging update during a virtual press conference Tuesday.
“Pretty good chance Patrick will go ahead and start, unless something were to come up here in the next couple days,” Reid said. “But, most likely, he’ll be the guy that’s out there.”
Patrick Mahomes set for Week 1 return
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Mahomes aimed to not miss any time in the 2026 season after last year’s major knee injury. The three-time Super Bowl MVP looks poised to accomplish that goal.
Although he didn’t play in the preseason, Mahomes practiced with the team throughout training camp in preparation for a Week 1 return. Reid is confident in the 30-year-old’s recovery.
“He’s shown everything there. He hasn’t missed a day, as you know,” Reid said. “You guys have seen him out there, so you know what it looks like, him running around and doing his stuff. Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. He’s running around the same way he’s always done and throwing the ball like he’s always done. So, I think we’ll be fine there.”
Along with returning from an injury, Mahomes will try to redeem the worst season of his brilliant career. The Chiefs went 6-8 in his start behind his lowest quarterback rating (89.6) and completion percentage (62.7) as a starter.
Reid could also face a troubling question of how to protect Mahomes’ blind side on Monday night. The head coach said there’s a “good chance” starting left tackle Josh Simmons misses the Week 1 matchup. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson could start in his NFL debut against a Broncos defense that tallied a league-leading 68 sacks last season.
ESPN and ABC will broadcast Monday’s game between Kansas City and Denver at 8:15 p.m. ET.
