Patrick Mahomes is set to make his return to the field for the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday, nine months after a severe knee injury ended his 2025 season. The star quarterback suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in December, an injury that typically requires a year or more to heal.
Mahomes underwent surgery immediately after the injury, a decision that facilitated his aggressive rehabilitation. Despite missing the remainder of the 2025 season and watching the Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, he focused on his recovery. He navigated training camp without setbacks and opted out of preseason games, culminating in his readiness for Week 1.
"It's incredible," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach told ESPN regarding Mahomes' recovery. "That's a guy that defines what leadership and what the face of a franchise should look like. He gave up an entire summer. He just attacked [the rehab]. Everybody in the building sees it. The level of sacrifice is something that has been an example throughout the entire organization."
The Broncos are anticipating the return of the quarterback who has a dominant record against them, holding a 13-2 advantage since he became the Chiefs' starter in 2018.
