Patrick Mahomes is set to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Week 1 clash against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Coach Andy Reid confirmed the news Tuesday, stating there’s a “very good chance” Mahomes will be under center unless an unexpected “hiccup” pops up in the coming days. This is huge, considering the two-time NFL MVP is suiting up just nine months after tearing both his left ACL and LCL back in Week 15.
The Brutal Comeback After a Disastrous Finish
Think about that for a second. Mahomes went down on December 14th with a torn ACL and LCL. Now, exactly nine months later on September 14th, he’s lining up for Week 1. ACL recoveries are *typically* a nine-month grind, and to hit that timeline precisely for a dual-ligament tear is wild. Without their star QB last year, the Chiefs’ performance dipped significantly. They lost their final three regular season games, ending the year on a six-game losing streak. That ugly slide cost them a playoff spot for the first time since 2014. Mahomes is clearly their engine, and the team absolutely needs him back. To make things even more dicey, starting left tackle Josh Simmons might miss the game with a back issue, potentially opening the door for undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson. Talk about high stakes right out of the gate!
The Mobility Question That Could Decide Their Season
Everyone knows Mahomes is a generational passer, but a massive part of his game is his ability to escape pressure and carve up defenses with his legs. That’s why the big question heading into this Broncos game isn’t just *if* he’ll play, but *how mobile* he’ll be. We’ve seen preseason videos of him throwing on the run in practice, sure, but this is his first real game action since the injury. He’s heading into his ninth career season, and he’s been remarkably durable, missing only two games in the past four years, both from being rested in Week 18. Mahomes has already begun to tally a Hall of Fame resumé, not only with three Super Bowl championships but also three Super Bowl MVP Awards. Last season, playing 14 games, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 6-8 record, racking up more losses than in the previous two regular seasons combined. He threw for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Crucially, he also had 64 carries for 422 yards and five more scores, the second-most carries in his last four years. Justin Fields and rookie Garrett Nussmeier are waiting in the wings, but the Chiefs need the full Mahomes.
What kind of Patrick Mahomes steps onto the field Monday night? That’s what the entire league is watching. His legs and his ability to move are the X-factor for the Chiefs’ entire season, and we’re about to find out exactly what they look like against the Broncos.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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