Overview
- Patrick Mahomes was officially active and started the Chiefs’ Week 1 game after a 274‑day recovery from an ACL and LCL tear that required surgery in December 2025.
- Mahomes scrambled into the end zone on the opening drive, providing an immediate in‑game indicator of his mobility and confidence after a rehab program supervised by Chiefs trainer Julie Frymyer and surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper.
- Kansas City held Mahomes out of the preseason and he has not taken a live hit since the injury, so Monday’s game is the first true contact test of his repaired knee.
- The Chiefs will be without starting left tackle Josh Simmons, leaving rookie Kahlil Benson and added protection schemes to face Denver’s pass rush that recorded 68 sacks in 2025.
- This result matters for Kansas City’s season outlook after a 6‑11 finish in 2025 and the team will likely lean on Kenneth Walker III and quick throws to limit pressure while observers watch for Mahomes’ first in‑game sack or open‑field tackle.