Mahomes expected to start Chiefs' opener against Broncos

The Sept. 14 game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 81 min read

Patrick Mahomes is expected to start Chiefs' opener vs. Broncos on Monday Night Football, according to coach Andy Reid. Via @ESPNNFL on X

What happened: Andy Reid said Tuesday there is a "very good chance" Patrick Mahomes gets the Week 1 assignment unless something changes in the coming days. He practiced with the first team throughout training camp after sitting out the preseason.

Why it matters: Kansas City opens against the AFC West team that ended its nine-year run as division champion. Having Mahomes available keeps the offense with its two-time MVP for the first test of the 2026 season.

By the numbers: Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee on Dec. 14, 2025, and underwent surgery the next day. A Sept. 14 start would come exactly nine months after the injury.

What to watch: Mahomes' practice participation and the final injury report will show whether Reid's plan holds through Monday night.

Sources

@ESPNNFL 2026-09-08T23:23:33.239598+00:00

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NFLInjuryKansas City ChiefsDenver BroncosPatrick Mahomes

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