Patrick Mahomes Expected to Start Week 1 Following ACL Rehab

Patrick Mahomes is scheduled to return to the field Monday night against the Denver Broncos after recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to start Monday night against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes is returning from a torn ACL suffered late in the 2025 season. Despite an injury to left tackle Josh Simmons, the Chiefs offense features new coordinator Eric Bieniemy and newly signed running back Kenneth Walker III. The team also expects contributions from wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice as they attempt to reclaim the AFC West title.

In other quarterback developments, the Las Vegas Raiders plan to start veteran Kirk Cousins, who won his last four starts in Atlanta, while keeping No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza on the bench. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is prepared to play the fourth year of his rookie contract as the team enters the season as Super Bowl contenders. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams will sit Aaron Donald for their Week 1 game against the 49ers in Australia to manage his return after two years out of football.

Injury comebacks across the league include Giants receiver Malik Nabers, who is working toward a return to assist quarterback Jaxson Dart. Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is projected for a potential October return to the lineup. In Jacksonville, the Jaguars intend to utilize Travis Hunter as both a primary zone corner and a package receiver following his recovery.