Patrick Mahomes Expected to Start Chiefs Opener vs. Broncos Following Knee Surgery

Patrick Mahomes is slated to start Monday Night Football for the Kansas City Chiefs despite undergoing surgery to repair torn ACL and LCL ligaments in December.

Patrick Mahomes is expected to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Monday Night Football season opener against the Denver Broncos, coach Andy Reid announced Tuesday. The quarterback underwent surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee but has participated in every practice since being cleared for all football activities in late July. While Mahomes was held out of preseason games, Reid noted the quarterback is running normally despite wearing a leg brace.

Kansas City faces uncertainty at left tackle as 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons is unlikely to play due to a lower back injury sustained three weeks ago in training camp. Head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder is managing Simmons' rehabilitation, though the team has not set a specific timeline for his return to practice.

Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson may make his NFL debut as the starting left tackle on Monday night. If Benson starts on the left side, five-year veteran Jaylon Moore is expected to start at right tackle. Reid indicated the coaching staff is comfortable with Benson on either side of the line, even though the rookie struggled with pass protection during the preseason.