Patrick Mahomes injury news is trending in a positive direction ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs quarterback is expected to return to the field for the first time since suffering serious knee injuries last season.
Kansas City will host Denver in a highly anticipated AFC West matchup on Monday, September 14, 2026, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The biggest question heading into the game has been simple: Will Patrick Mahomes play against the Broncos?
Based on the latest update from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, the answer appears to be yes.
Reid said Mahomes is “most likely” going to start the season opener, provided he does not experience an unexpected setback before kickoff.
That makes Mahomes’ return one of the biggest storylines of Week 1.
Patrick Mahomes Injury Update
Mahomes has been recovering from ACL and LCL tears in his left knee that ended his 2025 season.
The injury occurred during Kansas City’s December 2025 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes subsequently underwent surgery and began a lengthy rehabilitation process.
At one point, the timeline for his return appeared uncertain. However, the quarterback continued to make progress throughout the offseason.
Mahomes was eventually cleared to participate fully in training camp. He also worked with the first-team offense during camp, giving the Chiefs increasing confidence that he could be ready for Week 1.
Patrick Mahomes is expected to return for the Chiefs’ NFL Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos on September 14, 2026
The most important development came from Reid.
The Chiefs coach said Mahomes has not missed a day of work and looks normal when running and throwing. The quarterback has continued practicing despite wearing a brace on his injured leg.
Will Patrick Mahomes Play Against the Broncos?
Yes, Mahomes is expected to play against Denver.
As of the latest update, there is no indication that the Chiefs are planning to hold him out of the opener.
Andy Reid has essentially confirmed that Mahomes is the expected starter unless something changes before Monday night.
“Most likely he’ll be the guy that’s out there.”
That statement provides the clearest indication yet that Mahomes will return in Week 1.
However, there is still one important caveat.
Mahomes must avoid any late setback during the final stages of preparation. Because he is returning from major knee injuries, the Chiefs will continue to monitor his condition closely.
For now, though, everything is pointing toward Mahomes taking the first snap against Denver.
Why Mahomes’ Return Is So Important
Mahomes’ return could completely change the outlook for the Chiefs in 2026.
Kansas City struggled after losing its star quarterback last season. The Chiefs finished the regular season with six consecutive losses and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Now, the Chiefs enter 2026 with their franchise quarterback back in action.
Mahomes remains one of the most important players in the NFL. He has won two regular-season MVP awards and three Super Bowl MVP awards.
His career numbers also highlight his impact.
Through nine seasons, Mahomes has thrown for 35,939 yards and 267 touchdowns while completing 66.2% of his passes.
That production is a major reason Kansas City remains a serious AFC contender.
Mahomes Did Not Play in the Preseason
One potential concern is that Mahomes did not appear in any preseason games.
For most quarterbacks, a lack of preseason snaps can raise questions about timing and game readiness.
However, the Chiefs appear comfortable with that decision.
Mahomes participated extensively in training camp, and Kansas City has used practices to build his timing with the offense.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy has also expressed confidence in the quarterback’s readiness.
The Chiefs clearly prioritized Mahomes’ long-term health over getting him preseason game reps.
That approach makes sense considering the severity of his knee injury.
Is Patrick Mahomes 100% Healthy?
It is difficult to say that any player returning from ACL and LCL injuries is completely risk-free.
Mahomes has made significant progress, but the Chiefs will still need to manage his workload.
Reid’s comments suggest the quarterback is moving well and performing normally in practice. That is an encouraging sign.
However, a regular-season NFL game is different from training camp.
Denver’s defense will test Mahomes immediately.
The Broncos are also the reigning AFC West champions, making the matchup even more important.
Patrick Mahomes vs. Broncos: Why This Game Matters
This is more than a normal Week 1 game.
Denver ended Kansas City’s long run of dominance in the AFC West last season.
The Broncos are entering Arrowhead Stadium with confidence, while the Chiefs are trying to reclaim their position at the top of the division.
Mahomes has already said that playing Denver in Week 1 is an important personal goal.
He wanted to return against the team that won the division while Kansas City was without him.
That adds another layer to the storyline.
Mahomes is not simply returning from injury.
He is returning against a division rival that took Kansas City’s place at the top of the AFC West.
Chiefs Offensive Line Could Be Another Concern
While Mahomes’ health is the biggest storyline, Kansas City has another important issue heading into the opener.
Left tackle Josh Simmons is dealing with a back injury and is considered unlikely to play.
That could force rookie Kahlil Benson into an important role protecting Mahomes’ blind side.
The situation is especially important because Mahomes is returning from major knee injuries and will face a Denver defense capable of creating pressure.
Kansas City will need strong pass protection if it wants to ease Mahomes back into regular-season action.
What Should Fans Expect From Mahomes?
The safest expectation is that Mahomes will start, but the Chiefs may be careful with him early.
That does not necessarily mean he will have a limited role.
Instead, Kansas City could focus on getting him comfortable early in the game.
Short and intermediate throws could help Mahomes establish rhythm before the offense becomes more aggressive.
His mobility will also be something to watch.
Mahomes has always been dangerous outside the pocket, but his knee recovery could make his movement one of the most closely watched aspects of the game.
Latest Patrick Mahomes Injury News
As of September 10, 2026, the latest information remains encouraging.
- Mahomes is expected to start Week 1.
- Andy Reid said he is “most likely” the starter.
- Mahomes has practiced consistently during his recovery.
- He has been cleared for full training-camp participation.
- He did not play in the preseason.
- He is returning from ACL and LCL injuries to his left knee.
- The Chiefs are still watching for any late setback.
- Kansas City will host Denver on September 14.
The Broncos themselves describe Mahomes as poised to play for the first time since his season-ending injury last December.
Final Verdict: Will Patrick Mahomes Play vs. Broncos?
Patrick Mahomes is expected to play against the Denver Broncos in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
The biggest reason for confidence is the latest statement from Andy Reid.
Unless Mahomes suffers an unexpected setback before Monday night, he should be under center when Kansas City opens its season.
His return will be one of the most closely watched NFL storylines of Week 1.
After nine months of rehabilitation, Mahomes is finally on the verge of returning to regular-season football.
And there may not be a better opponent for the comeback than the Denver Broncos.
Latest prediction: Patrick Mahomes starts vs. Broncos — barring a late injury setback.
Patrick Mahomes Injury News FAQs
Is Patrick Mahomes playing against the Broncos in 2026?
Yes. Mahomes is currently expected to start against Denver in Week 1, according to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
What injury did Patrick Mahomes suffer?
Mahomes suffered ACL and LCL tears in his left knee during the 2025 season.
When is Chiefs vs. Broncos?
The Chiefs and Broncos will play on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. The game is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.
Did Patrick Mahomes play in the preseason?
No. Mahomes did not play in the Chiefs’ preseason games, with Kansas City prioritizing his recovery and regular-season readiness.
Is Patrick Mahomes fully healthy?
Mahomes has progressed far enough to practice fully and is expected to play Week 1. However, the Chiefs will continue monitoring him because he is returning from major knee injuries.
Who will start if Patrick Mahomes cannot play?
If Mahomes unexpectedly cannot play, Kansas City would have to turn to its backup quarterback. Denver’s own preview has identified Justin Fields as the alternative quarterback possibility for Kansas City.
What is the latest Patrick Mahomes injury status?
The latest status is expected to play. Andy Reid said Mahomes is most likely to start, assuming there is no late setback before the game.
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