Patrick Mahomes is slated to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Week 1 season opener against the Denver Broncos, signaling a remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury. Coach Andy Reid indicated there is a "pretty good chance" the three-time Super Bowl champion will be on the field for Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium.
Mahomes had targeted his return for the AFC West rivalry game since the start of training camp. He did not participate in any preseason games, a decision made by the coaching staff and medical team. The upcoming game marks nearly nine months since Mahomes sustained tears to his ACL and LCL during a December game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Initial medical advice suggested a potential return in October, but Mahomes surpassed expectations during his rehabilitation, participating with the first team throughout training camp.
Mixed on the roster improvements, the Chiefs signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to bolster their running back corps. However, they made fewer moves at wide receiver, relying on the development of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton. The defense also faces questions in the secondary following the trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie and the free agency departures of starters Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson. Kansas City used its first-round draft pick on defensive back Mansoor Delane and dedicated its first four selections to the defensive side of the ball.
Meanwhile, Mahomes' father, Patrick Sr., is seeking court permission to attend his son's games this season. The former MLB pitcher, arrested for drunk driving in February 2024, is under probation for a third DWI offense. He agreed to a plea deal that includes five years of probation and a year of intensive supervision. A subsequent parole violation for consuming alcohol led to a two-year probation extension, a 16-week treatment program, and 30 days in jail. This deal has restricted him from traveling out of state from his Texas residence.
A motion filed in the 7th District Court in Tyler, Texas, requests approval for Mahomes Sr. to travel to games in Kansas City, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Cincinnati, Ohio. The motion assures that he understands the requirement for urinalysis testing before and after travel, as directed by his supervision officer. It also notes his completion of 160 hours of community service and a 16-week outpatient substance abuse treatment program. A community supervision officer has confirmed his compliance with probation terms, and he is monitored with an ankle device.