Just eight days out from the 2026 NFL season opener, Patrick Mahomes is battling back from a torn ACL *and* LCL, yet he is still expected to suit up and play for the Chiefs in Week 1. Seriously, a torn ACL and LCL! This dude is built different, but the question is, how much different will he play?
Mahomes’ Knee and the Fantasy Draft Controversy
Mahomes has been signaling strong that he’s going to play in the season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Coach Andy Reid, though, is taking a much more measured approach in his comments. There’s been no real chatter from the Chiefs camp suggesting Mahomes won’t start, which is wild given the severity of those knee injuries. Think about it: torn ACL, LCL, and he’s still out there.
The big question mark around Mahomes, especially for anyone looking at his fantasy value, is how often he’s going to take off running. He might be super reluctant to turn it loose early in the season, trying to protect that knee against defenses. Last season, even with him missing the final three games, was Mahomes’ best rushing year in the NFL with 422 yards and five touchdowns. You add Kenneth Walker III to the mix in free agency and Mahomes might not feel that same need to scramble. This dude is going as the QB14 and the No. 107 player overall in fantasy drafts, 13 spots behind Jaxson Dart. If the Chiefs offense can somehow get back to that explosive level from earlier in his career, he could be an absolute steal at that draft position. But that’s a big “if” when you’re talking about those kinds of knee injuries.
Big Receivers Bouncing Back For Week 1?
It’s not just Mahomes dealing with serious injury recoveries. Ja’Marr Chase, who got hurt making a catch in practice last week with a hyperextended knee and bone bruise, said he could’ve kept practicing if he really had to. The Bengals star is still coming off the board as the No. 3 overall pick in most fantasy drafts, so clearly, nobody’s sweating any long-term impact on his knee.
Then there’s Malik Nabers, recovering from a torn ACL. That’s a huge injury, but he’s trending toward playing in Week 1. He’s being super careful not to say anything definitive, but the fact he’s already working with the New York Giants in full practice sessions is a massive positive sign. Nabers’ injury recovery is definitely being factored into his draft position, coming in as the WR13 and an early third-round pick in 12-team leagues, right between Rashee Rice and DeVonta Smith.
Other Week 1 Injury Watch
A bunch of other notable players are on the injury report heading into the season. Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers) suffered a toe injury early in training camp, but Tampa Bay has been optimistic about his Week 1 status since mid-August. Unless something changes, he’s not expected to be limited. Mike Evans (49ers) is dealing with a quad strain and groin injury but is expected to play. Luther Burden III (Bears) had borderline absurd fantasy hype before groin issues in camp. He’s expected to play, and there are reasons to believe he’ll have a big 2026 with that Bears offense. Breece Hall has a groin strain and is expected to play, while George Kittle (Torn Achilles) is hopeful to play. Jeremiyah Love, with a high ankle sprain, has an “unclear” status for Week 1.
So, get ready to watch Mahomes closely on Monday Night Football. Can his knee hold up, or will the early season reluctance to run actually impact his game and that shiny QB14 draft spot? It’s going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply