Patrick Mahomes is officially starting his first game since December 14th of last season, coming back from a gnarly ACL tear he picked up in that loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Forget all the whispers that he might miss the start of 2026, because Mahomes and the Chiefs just dropped the bomb: he’s suiting up and kicking off Week 1 on Monday Night against the Denver Broncos.
Mahomes Back: Can He Still Sling It?
Can you even believe it? The dude tore his ACL last December, and for months everyone was wondering if he’d be sidelined for part of 2026. But nope, Mahomes is built different. He’s already telling everyone, “Hopefully I’m done with the questions about the leg.” That’s the kind of confidence you love to see, right? But let’s be real, he didn’t play a single snap in any preseason games. Head Coach Andy Reid and the offensive brain trust are gonna have to play it smart, especially going up against that fierce Denver defense. I’m thinking we’ll see some “layup” throws early to let him get into a rhythm, let him readjust to the speed of the game. But come on, it’s Mahomes. You KNOW we’re gonna get some of those classic deep shots throughout the game. He’s got something to prove after that disappointing 6-11 season in 2025, which, by the way, was the first time they missed the playoffs since 2014. Talk about a comeback story already!
Rookie Tackle Thrown Into The Fire
As if Mahomes’ return wasn’t enough drama, the Chiefs’ tackle situation is an absolute mess. Josh Simmons? Yeah, that saga is still going strong with no clear answers, except for one: he’s out for Monday Night. So who’s stepping up? Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson, who was mostly playing right tackle in camp, is now making his first ever NFL start at *left* tackle. Like, in his first regular season game! This dude went from starting in the National Championship for Indiana last season to facing a fierce Denver pass rush in Week 1 of the NFL season. Talk about a trial by fire, right? Andy Reid himself was grilled about what goes into deciding an undrafted rookie is ready for this kind of pressure. You know Denver’s defensive line is licking their chops. This is gonna be a massive test for the Chiefs’ protection and for Benson personally. It could make or break their early offensive rhythm.
This isn’t just another Week 1 game, folks. This is the first AFC West battle of the season, kicking off on Monday Night Football at 7:15 Arrowhead time. The Broncos, fresh off their best season in a decade at 14-3, sweeping the Chiefs and hosting the AFC Championship, are not the same team. Both these squads have everything to prove. Get ready for some fireworks on ABC and ESPN, because this one is going to set the tone for the entire division.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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