Overview
- Patrick Mahomes is widely reported to be on track to start the Chiefs’ season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14 according to team insiders and multiple media outlets.
- Kansas City has not made an official announcement because head coach Andy Reid says the final decision is day-to-day and will follow team doctors and Mahomes’ own assessment.
- Mahomes was cleared to throw in the spring, took full first-team reps in training camp and skipped the preseason by design as part of an accelerated nine-month rehab from December ACL and LCL surgery.
- Left tackle Josh Simmons has missed multiple practices with a back flare-up, forcing the Chiefs to give reps to backups and recent additions, which raises concerns about blind-side protection for Mahomes.
- Opponents and coaches are preparing as if Mahomes will play at full strength, so the key developments to watch are the team’s final medical sign-off and whether Simmons returns to practice early next week.