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Patrick Mahomes is making his return tonight.
The three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback is returning after tearing both the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left knee. He suffered the injury in December of 2025 and is returning less than 10 months later. Mahomes was determined to make a quick return and be back in time for Week 1.
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“I’m willing,” Mahomes said after the injury, “to do whatever it takes.”
He’s done that.
“It’s incredible,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach said. “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.”
But while there is understandably a lot of excitement about Mahomes’ return, should there be more people worried about him, given the setting? Probably.
NFL writer Rodger Sherman notes that Mahomes will be returning with his starter at left tackle being an undrafted free agent rookie, who didn’t play the position at the college football level.
Mahomes will be playing with a rookie, inexperienced left tackle against the best, fiercest defense in the league.
“Feels like there are not enough sirens blaring about how Patrick Mahomes is returning from multiple-ligament knee surgery tonight against probably the best defense in the NFL and his left tackle is an undrafted free agent who did not play a single snap of left tackle in his entire college career,” he wrote on Bluesky.
“First time a UDFA has started Week 1 at tackle for any team since 2020, per The Athletic.”
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The left tackle is arguably the most position in football, outside of quarterback. Ultimately, they’re responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
If the Chiefs have issues at the position on Monday night, Mahomes will be the one feeling it in the worst way.
Chiefs are confident in their left tackle, though
With Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons unlikely to play, undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson is expected to start at the position.
“We’re comfortable with Kahlil on either side,” head coach Andy Reid said. “He’s been playing the left side, so we feel comfortable with that. We’ll end up playing the five best guys, and he’s one of them right now.”
There’s a big difference between practice, preseason games and facing the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football in Week 1.
The Chiefs, though, are not worried.
“If he has to be the left tackle, then he’s the left tackle and we roll with it,” Reid said. “That’s just how it goes.”
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But perhaps they should be.
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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 1:30 PM.