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Mahomes Returns to Start Week 1 vs Broncos

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 11:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mahomes Starts Week1

Patrick Mahomes will start Week 1 Monday Night Football versus the Denver Broncos.
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in December 2025 Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
He had surgery the next day and was listed as a full participant in Week 1 practice.
Undrafted rookie Khalil Benson will start at left tackle to protect Mahomes' blind side.

Summary

Webb Takes Play-Calling

Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb will assume play-calling duties for the first time this season.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo warned his unit about past struggles versus Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
Denver will start rookie defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike with Zach Allen and D.J. Jones after JFM’s departure.
Jonah Elliss will make his first start replacing Jonathon Cooper, who is on the commissioner’s exempt list.

History

Historical Context

In 2012, after missing the 2011 season with neck surgery, Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos and threw for 4,659 yards and 37 touchdowns, setting franchise single-season records. His comeback proved that elite quarterbacks can rebound from serious injuries, encouraging teams like the Kansas City Chiefs to trust young signal-callers such as Patrick Mahomes.

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Mahomes Starts Week1

Patrick Mahomes will start Week 1 Monday Night Football versus the Denver Broncos.
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in December 2025 Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
He had surgery the next day and was listed as a full participant in Week 1 practice.
Undrafted rookie Khalil Benson will start at left tackle to protect Mahomes' blind side.

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