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Patrick Mahomes has received the final green light for his long-awaited return as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Denver Broncos on Monday night.
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Mahomes is listed without an injury designation and is expected to start at Arrowhead Stadium. The Week 1 AFC West clash kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET and will air on ABC and ESPN.
The update marks a major step for Mahomes after he suffered torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee last December. He underwent surgery before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Ian Rapoport reported that Mahomes’ recovery has progressed faster than expected.
“Patrick Mahomes is making his dramatic return for the Chiefs in Week 1,” Rapoport said. “It’s no surprise but still significant because remember he is coming back from a torn ACL, torn LCL, far faster than anyone would have possibly thought”
From @NFLGameDay Morning: #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes makes his return after ACL/LCL surgery, with equal strength on both sides. His rehab has been impressive. pic.twitter.com/RBy6uBoncW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2026
Rapoport added that the quarterback’s strength is “symmetrical from side to side” and mentioned that, “That is a good, a very good thing from Mahomes. Obviously only had surgery on one of his knees. His function is the same side to side and his graft is fully healed.
“This is a very good thing for the Kansas City Chiefs. We are going to see as close to 100% of Patrick Mahomes as we could possibly see considering the time.”
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Rapoport also noted how impressive Mahomes looked during training camp. His performance across touchdowns, interceptions, completions, and playmaking ranked among his best camps in recent years.
Mahomes himself has also made it clear that he does not plan to change his playing style. Speaking earlier this month, he said, “I think it’s going to be hard for me to not just be myself once I step on the field. If you saw me in training camp, the moment stuff started happening, I just became a competitor.”
That approach will face an immediate test against Denver. The Broncos finished 14-3 last season and ended Kansas City’s nine-year run as AFC West champions.
The Chiefs finished 6-11 last season and missed the playoffs, making Mahomes’ return even more important. Kansas City also added running back Kenneth Walker III during the offseason to strengthen the offense.
So, for Mahomes, Monday night represents more than a season opener. It marks his first competitive game since the knee injury and provides the clearest test yet of his recovery. With no injury designation and full participation in practice, the Chiefs appear ready to unleash their franchise quarterback.
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