SAD NEWS? Chiefs Fans Remain Concerned About Patrick Mahomes’ Previous Knee Injury After Impressive Week 1 Return

Kansas City Chiefs fans finally got the moment they had been waiting for.

After nine long months of rehabilitation, Patrick Mahomes returned to the field Monday night and helped Kansas City dominate the Denver Broncos 31–10 in the 2026 season opener.

But despite the impressive performance, questions surrounding the quarterback’s surgically repaired knee aren’t going away.

MAHOMES LOOKED READY

Mahomes entered Week 1 after recovering from the ACL and LCL injuries he suffered in December 2025.

There had been enormous attention on his mobility throughout the offseason, particularly because he had missed the entire preseason while continuing his rehabilitation.

Once the game began, however, Mahomes quickly gave Chiefs Kingdom reason to breathe.

He scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown in the first half and moved effectively throughout the game. He ultimately completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns, while adding the rushing score. 

THE KNEE REMAINS THE BIG STORY

Even though Mahomes appeared comfortable, his previous injury will naturally remain under the microscope.

This wasn’t a minor injury.

Mahomes tore both the ACL and LCL in his left knee and underwent surgery before beginning an extensive rehabilitation program. Chiefs coach Andy Reid previously said Mahomes spent significant amounts of time working on his recovery during the offseason.

Every scramble, cut and hit will therefore attract attention.

For Kansas City, keeping its franchise quarterback healthy is arguably the most important priority of the entire season.

NO CONFIRMED NEW SETBACK

The good news is that there is currently no confirmed report of a new major knee injury or setback for Mahomes.

Quite the opposite.

His Week 1 performance suggested that the long recovery had prepared him well for his return to NFL action. One report noted that Mahomes did not appear to be significantly affected by either his knee or the brace he wore during the game.

That’s encouraging news for Kansas City.

Still, one game cannot completely erase the concerns that naturally accompany a return from such a serious injury.

CHIEFS KINGDOM WILL BE WATCHING

The Chiefs don’t need Mahomes to prove anything in one night.

They need him healthy over the course of an entire season.

That means the coaching staff will likely continue to monitor his workload and mobility closely as Kansas City moves forward.

For now, however, the biggest takeaway is positive: Mahomes made it through his long-awaited comeback and helped the Chiefs start the season with a convincing victory.

The real test will be whether his knee continues to respond well as the season gets tougher.

Chiefs Kingdom — after watching Mahomes dominate in Week 1, are you confident his knee will hold up for the entire season?