Mahomes on track for Chiefs opener as NFL preseason injury concerns mount
Patrick Mahomes is expected to start Week 1 after his ACL recovery, while Ja'Marr Chase and Darnell Wright face minor setbacks ahead of the regular season.
With the NFL regular season just over two weeks away, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has expressed confidence that he is on track to start the Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes is continuing his recovery from a left knee ACL tear sustained last December, having undergone surgery in December 2025.
Despite his progress, Mahomes is not expected to play in Friday’s preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks while he awaits final game clearance from team medical staff. If he sits out the game, it will mark the first time in his 10-year career that he has missed the entire preseason. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy noted that Mahomes has been an active presence on the sideline, describing him as "like a coach" who is itching to help the team win.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals received a scare on Tuesday when star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase landed awkwardly on a deep route and left practice with a knee injury. Chase quickly put minds at ease by confirming on Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530 that he was "fine" after suffering a minor hyperextension. He felt good enough to return and finish the practice session, though the team held him out strictly as a precaution.
Chase’s health is particularly significant for the Bengals, who are set to open the season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Joe Burrow has declared a "now or never" mindset for the season, making the availability of key offensive weapons like Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown crucial for a potential deep playoff run. Chase finished the previous season with 125 receptions, 1,412 yards, and eight touchdowns, despite Burrow missing half the year due to turf toe.
Elsewhere, Chicago Bears right tackle Darnell Wright left practice early on Tuesday for a right elbow evaluation. Wright reportedly exited during red zone drills, though the full extent of the issue remains to be determined by medical staff.
According to Fox Sports, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was also noted as being on the "good side" of injury news, although specific details regarding his status were not provided in the report.
