Kansas City Chiefs fans can finally exhale. Head coach Andy Reid has all but confirmed that superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be under center for the team's Week 1 showdown against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. After months of rehab and speculation, the three-time Super Bowl MVP is poised to make his long-awaited return from the torn ACL he suffered last December.
During a virtual press conference on Tuesday, Reid delivered the news that Chiefs Kingdom has been waiting for. "Pretty good chance Patrick will go ahead and start, unless something were to come up here in the next couple days," Reid said. "But, most likely, he'll be the guy that's out there." The statement puts to rest any lingering doubts about Mahomes' availability for the season opener, which is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
Mahomes tore his ACL on December 14 during a game against the Houston Texans, abruptly ending his 2025 campaign. The injury marked a disappointing end to what was statistically the worst season of his career. In his 14 starts, the Chiefs stumbled to a 6-8 record, with Mahomes posting career lows in quarterback rating (89.6) and completion percentage (62.7). But the 30-year-old has been laser-focused on redemption, and his offseason dedication has impressed everyone in the building.
"He's shown everything there. He hasn't missed a day, as you know," Reid said, referencing Mahomes' full participation in training camp. "You guys have seen him out there, so you know what it looks like, him running around and doing his stuff. Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. He's running around the same way he's always done and throwing the ball like he's always done. So, I think we'll be fine there."
While Mahomes' return is the headline, Reid also addressed a potential concern on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons is questionable for the opener, with Reid admitting there's a "good chance" he won't play. That could thrust undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson into a starting role against a Broncos defense that led the league with 68 sacks last season. Protecting Mahomes' blind side will be crucial, especially as he shakes off the rust from a year away.
Mahomes has been vocal about his desire to stay true to his aggressive, playmaking style despite the injury. In a recent interview, he vowed not to change his approach, a sentiment that has energized his teammates. The Chiefs will need that confidence against a Denver squad that has been a thorn in their side, and the AFC West rivalry adds extra spice to what is already a marquee Monday night matchup.
The game also carries emotional weight for the Mahomes family. Patrick's father, Pat Mahomes Sr., has requested a travel pass from a judge to attend the game, a story that has captured the hearts of fans. Meanwhile, the quarterback's connection with his team remains strong, as evidenced by his reported private message to a grieving Chiefs analyst earlier this offseason, showing the kind of leadership that defines his career.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the focus shifts to whether Mahomes can recapture his MVP form and lead the Chiefs back to prominence. The pieces are in place, and with Reid's confidence and Mahomes' determination, Kansas City is ready to make a statement. The only question left is whether the offensive line can hold up long enough for their star to work his magic.
Monday night will be a true test for Mahomes, not just physically but mentally. But if his recovery and training camp performance are any indication, the Chiefs' franchise quarterback is more than ready to silence the doubters and remind the NFL why he's considered one of the best in the game.
