Patrick Mahomes Expected to Start Chiefs’ Week 1 Opener Against Broncos

Patrick Mahomes’ comeback is nearly complete.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that Mahomes is expected to start Kansas City’s Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos, barring an unexpected setback during the final days of preparation. Reid stopped just short of issuing an absolute guarantee, but said there is a “pretty good chance” Mahomes starts and that he will “most likely” be the quarterback on the field Monday night.

Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during Kansas City’s Dec. 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury ended his 2025 season and began a nine-month rehabilitation process centered around being ready for the 2026 opener.

According to Reid, Mahomes has met every recovery benchmark and has not missed a day of preparation. He continues to wear a brace, but the Chiefs have not observed meaningful limitations in his movement or throwing.

That is significant for a Kansas City team trying to rebound from a disappointing season. The Chiefs lost their final six games after Mahomes went down and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Mahomes finished the year with 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games.

Denver is preparing for the full version of Mahomes rather than assuming his mobility will be reduced. Broncos head coach Sean Payton said his defense expects a quarterback capable of creating both inside and outside the pocket, including the extended plays that have defined Mahomes’ career.

Kansas City does have another protection concern to monitor. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons is dealing with a back injury and could miss the opener, potentially leaving undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson responsible for protecting Mahomes’ blind side.

Nothing becomes official until Mahomes completes the week without a setback.

But after months of uncertainty, the Chiefs appear prepared to begin 2026 with their franchise quarterback back under center.

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