Patrick Mahomes’ knee was the biggest storyline surrounding Kansas City entering the 2026 NFL season. Nine months after tearing his ACL and LCL, the Chiefs quarterback finally returned to competitive football—and immediately helped Kansas City open the season with a 31–10 victory over the Denver Broncos.
Mahomes entered the game without an injury designation after participating fully in practice. The NFL had previously reported that he was cleared to return following months of rehabilitation.
Mahomes Passed His First Test
The comeback was not statistically perfect, but it was significant. Mahomes completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 23 yards and scored on a 15-yard touchdown run.
Most importantly, he completed the game after repeatedly putting pressure on his surgically repaired knee. NFL.com described the performance as showing both encouraging moments and some remaining signs of rust.
The Chiefs Are Changing the Formula
One of the biggest developments in the opener was not Mahomes—it was Kenneth Walker III. The new Kansas City running back rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 60-yard score.
That performance could be important for Mahomes. Instead of requiring the quarterback to create the majority of the offense, Kansas City now has a powerful running-game option capable of producing explosive plays.
Walker also scored on a touchdown reception from Mahomes, giving the Chiefs another way to move the ball without putting every offensive possession on their quarterback.
Why the Knee Still Matters
Mahomes does not currently have a reported new knee injury. The NFL’s Week 2 injury report listed him as a full participant, while the team’s other injury concerns included players such as Chamarri Conner and Josh Simmons.
However, returning from major ligament surgery is different from proving durability over an entire NFL season. Mahomes will face repeated contact, scrambling situations and defensive pressure as the schedule becomes more demanding.
Can Kansas City Rebuild Its Dynasty?
The Chiefs entered 2026 after a difficult previous season. Kansas City finished 6–11 in 2025 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Its streak of nine consecutive AFC West titles also ended.
That makes the 2026 season about more than Mahomes’ knee. The offensive line, receiving group, defense and new running game will all influence how much pressure the quarterback faces.
The opening victory provided an encouraging starting point, but one game cannot establish how the season will unfold. Kansas City’s next test comes against the Indianapolis Colts on September 20.
The Bigger Question for Kansas City
The Chiefs do not necessarily need Mahomes to carry the offense the way he has in previous seasons. Walker’s arrival offers another offensive dimension, while the defense dominated Denver in the opener.
For now, the evidence shows a quarterback who has successfully returned from a serious knee injury and a Chiefs team that has already demonstrated more offensive balance. The bigger challenge will be maintaining that health and balance throughout the long NFL season.
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