QB1 is ready: Andy Reid confirms Patrick Mahomes to start Chiefs' opener against Broncos

Patrick Mahomes is finally on the verge of making his long-awaited return.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid indicated that his star quarterback will start the 2026 season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Reid added that barring a late setback, Mahomes is expected to take the first snap at Arrowhead Stadium.

That’s a remarkable development considering where Mahomes was nine months ago. He suffered torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee during Kansas City’s December loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Surgery followed roughly a day later, and his rehabilitation began immediately. The recovery timeline made a Week 1 appearance possible, but certainly far from guaranteed.

Mahomes , however, never appeared to lose sight of that target. He worked relentlessly through the offseason, gradually increasing his workload as the Chiefs monitored his progress. He participated in offseason activities before eventually receiving clearance for full football activity when training camp arrived.

Kansas City took a sensible approach by keeping Mahomes out of preseason games. There was little reason to risk its franchise quarterback in exhibition action when the primary objective was getting him ready for the games that actually count.

Reid’s latest comments suggest that cautious approach has paid off. Mahomes has worked with the first-team offense and has looked increasingly comfortable moving around the pocket and making throws.

He’s still wearing a brace on his injured leg, but that hasn’t prevented him from completing the demanding work required to prepare for an NFL season.

Mahomes returns to a fascinating Week 1 test

The comeback couldn’t come against a more intriguing opponent. Denver enters the matchup as the reigning AFC West champion after ending Kansas City’s lengthy reign over the division. The Chiefs also missed the playoffs last season, making Mahomes ’ return particularly important as the franchise attempts to change the narrative immediately.

There’s still a significant concern along the offensive line. Reid has indicated that starting left tackle Josh Simmons could miss the opener because of a back injury.

That could leave Kahlil Benson facing Denver’s formidable pass rush in his first NFL game, creating an obvious challenge for an offense trying to protect a quarterback returning from major knee surgery.

That matchup could make Kansas City’s rushing attack especially important. The Chiefs added Kenneth Walker III during free agency, giving the offense another explosive weapon capable of handling a substantial workload. Rookie Emmett Johnson has also impressed during preseason action and could contribute.

A productive ground game would allow Kansas City to avoid putting too much pressure on Mahomes from the opening whistle. The quarterback’s mobility and ability to extend plays have always been central to his game, but the Chiefs will likely be careful about asking him to take unnecessary punishment early in the season.

Still, the biggest story is Mahomes himself. After months of rehabilitation and uncertainty, he’s within touching distance of the goal he set shortly after his devastating injury.

If there are no setbacks before Monday night, No. 15 will return to regular-season football against the team that took his division crown.