Mahomes cleared to start Chiefs season opener after 274-day knee recovery

Patrick Mahomes is expected to start for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos after completing a 274-day recovery from torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee, according to ESPN.

Mahomes suffered the injury while scrambling against the Los Angeles Chargers on 14 December, ending Kansas City’s 2025 season and playoff run. He underwent surgery in Dallas the following day, with Chiefs head trainer Rick Burkholder saying there was no artery, nerve, joint-surface or meniscal damage.

His rehabilitation included daily work with Chiefs assistant athletic trainer Julie Frymyer and trainer Bobby Stroupe. Mahomes was cleared for all football activities on 22 July after passing running, jumping and cutting tests.

He took part in every practice and 11-on-11 repetition during training camp. The Chiefs kept him out of pre-season games as a precaution, however, leaving his response to live contact, a sack or an open-field tackle untested in competition.

The expected start does not guarantee Mahomes will play the entire opener, nor does the recovery establish that his knee has returned fully to its pre-injury condition. The Chiefs open their season against Denver on Monday night.