Kansas City Chiefs make final decision on Patrick Mahomes playing against the Denver Broncos… just nine months after his devastating knee injury
Patrick Mahomes is set to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the new NFL season, completing his remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury.
The three-time Super Bowl champion has a ‘pretty good chance’ of being on the field when the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, according to coach Andy Reid.
Mahomes called his return to face the Chiefs’ AFC West rivals at Arrowhead ‘the goal’ at the outset of training camp.
The two-time MVP didn’t play at all in the preseason, which was the plan established by coaches and medical personnel.
The Chiefs will start the season almost exactly nine months from the date he suffered tears to his ACL and LCL against the Los Angeles Chargers in December.
While doctors initially cautioned Mahomes that it could be October before he was ready to play, the quarterback surged past all expectations in his rehab, working with the first team throughout training camp.
Patrick Mahomes is set to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the new NFL season
Mahomes, pictured with wife Brittany, was told it could be October before he was ready to play
Mahomes’ availability is a huge boost for Reid, Travis Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs as they bid to return to the playoffs after missing the postseason entirely last year with a 6-11 record.
The Chiefs have made moves this year to improve their roster, upgrading at running back by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III from Seattle.
But they did little to bolster their wide receiver corps, instead hoping that Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton can take some big steps forward.
The defense also has some question marks, especially in the backfield, where the Chiefs traded star cornerback Trent McDuffie and lost starters Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson to free agency.
They used their first-round pick to draft Mansoor Delane sixth overall, and in all, Kansas City used its first four draft picks on the defensive side of the ball.
While Chiefs fans will be eagerly anticipating their quarterback’s return to the field, it remains to be seen if Mahomes’ dad will be able to watch him play.
It emerged last week that Patrick Sr., a 56-year-old former MLB pitcher, is seeking legal approval to attend his son’s NFL games this season. He filed a motion in the 7th District Court in Tyler, Texas, requesting permission to travel out of state to see seven of his son’s games, according to KLTV.
The motion seeks approval for the former baseball star to travel to Kansas City, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mahomes Sr. was arrested for drunk driving in February of 2024. He would ultimately reach a plea deal, in which he admitted to his third DWI charge and agreed to five years of probation, including a year of intense supervision.
Mahomes’ dad is currently seeking legal approval to attend his son’s NFL games this season
Since then, he violated his parole by drinking alcohol, which resulted in a two-year probation extension and a 16-week treatment program as well as 30 days in jail with credit for time served.
As a result of the deal, Mahomes Sr., who resides in Texas, has not been permitted to travel out of state.
Friday’s motion states that Mahomes Sr. is aware that he is required to submit urinalysis testing as requested by his supervision officer before and after travel, on each occasion.
It also notes that he has completed 160 hours of community service and completed a 16-week outpatient treatment program at a substance abuse disorder treatment and behavioral health services non-profit.
A Smith County community supervision officer verified that he has complied with his probation conditions. Mahomes Sr. is also monitored by an ankle device.
