Patrick Mahomes expects to start for the Chiefs against the Denver Broncos
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 6:28 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Patrick Mahomes is expected to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Monday night's season opener against the Denver Broncos. The quarterback, who tore his ACL and LCL in his left knee last December, participated fully in training camp but did not play in the preseason. Coach Andy Reid noted that Mahomes is moving normally and should be available for the first snap. While Mahomes is returning to the field, the Chiefs face personnel challenges on the offensive line. Left tackle Josh Simmons is unlikely to play due to a persistent back injury, which positions undrafted rookie Khalil Benson to take the starting role. Other roster adjustments for Kansas City include Jaden Hicks replacing an injured Chamarri Conner at safety, while Alohi Gilman is expected to be available.
- •Patrick Mahomes is cleared to play Monday after tearing knee ligaments nine months ago.
- •Josh Simmons is unlikely to start at left tackle because of a back injury.
- •Undrafted rookie Khalil Benson is slated to start on the blind side for the Chiefs.
- •Jaden Hicks will likely start at safety in place of the injured Chamarri Conner.
- •The Chiefs open their season Monday night against the Denver Broncos.
- 6:54 PMESPN — Mahomes expected to start MNF opener, but Chiefs face issues at left tackle
- 6:22 PMCBS NFL — Chiefs expect Patrick Mahomes to start against Broncos, but key lineman likely out
- 6:03 PMYahoo Sports — Patrick Mahomes expected to start for the Chiefs against the Broncos in Week 1 against Denver
"Patrick Mahomes will be under center when the Kansas City Chiefs open the season against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Tuesday he expects the two-time MVP to be taking the first snap a mere nine months after tearing ligaments in his left knee. Mahomes has participated in every practice of the offseason and training camp, though he was held out of all three preseason games, and he's said all along his goal was to be ready for Week 1.
"Andy Reid says Mahomes has looked normal in practice, but left tackle Josh Simmons is trending toward missing Monday's opener
"Patrick Mahomes is expected to start the Chiefs' season opener Monday against the Broncos.
Sources
External links- ESPNSep 8, 2026, 6:54 PMMahomes expected to start MNF opener, but Chiefs face issues at left tackle
Patrick Mahomes is expected to start the Chiefs' season opener Monday against the Broncos.
- CBS NFLSep 8, 2026, 6:22 PMChiefs expect Patrick Mahomes to start against Broncos, but key lineman likely out
Andy Reid says Mahomes has looked normal in practice, but left tackle Josh Simmons is trending toward missing Monday's opener
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 6:03 PMPatrick Mahomes expected to start for the Chiefs against the Broncos in Week 1 against Denver
Patrick Mahomes will be under center when the Kansas City Chiefs open the season against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Tuesday he expects the two-time MVP to be taking the first snap a mere nine months after tearing ligaments in his left knee. Mahomes has participated in every practice of the offseason and training camp, though he was held out of all three preseason games, and he's said all along his goal was to be ready for Week 1.
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