Mahomes Back From the Dead: Chiefs Star Set to Shock Denver in Week 1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Zambians love a good comeback story, and Patrick Mahomes is writing one for the ages. The two-time MVP is expected to take the first snap for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos on Monday night, just nine months after tearing ligaments in his left knee. That is the kind of grit and determination we respect here in Zambia, where we know what it means to fight through pain and come out swinging.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed Tuesday that Mahomes has done everything asked of him in practice. He has not missed a single day since the injury, which happened in a brutal December loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The quarterback was scrambling when a defender spun him to the ground, tearing both the ACL and LCL. Many wrote him off. Mahomes did not listen.
How did Mahomes recover so fast from a torn ACL and LCL?
Instead of heading home to Texas for the offseason, Mahomes stayed in Kansas City. He worked daily with the Chiefs' physical therapist, spending long hours at the practice facility. He was cleared for full practice when training camp began, and while he sat out all three preseason games, that was always the plan. The goal was simple: be ready when the games actually matter.
“He's shown everything there. He hasn't missed a day,” Reid told reporters. “Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal.”
The last time Mahomes entered a season without a preseason snap was 2020, when the pandemic canceled the exhibition slate. He responded by throwing three touchdown passes in a win over Houston. That is the kind of mentality we admire: no excuses, just results.
Who will protect Mahomes' blind side against Denver?
There is a catch. The Chiefs' preferred left tackle, Josh Simmons, is likely out with a back injury. That means undrafted rookie Khalil Benson will step in to protect Mahomes' blind side against a fierce Denver pass rush. Benson went unsigned after the draft, but he impressed at a rookie minicamp and climbed the depth chart fast. Now he is being thrown into the fire.
“If he has to be the left tackle then he's the left tackle,” Reid said. “We roll with it.”
Denver coach Sean Payton is not taking anything for granted. He said the Broncos have studied Mahomes' history closely and expect a player moving at full speed. The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, and this game is a chance to prove the doubters wrong.
What other injury concerns do the Chiefs have for Week 1?
Safety Chamarri Conner is a long shot to play due to a knee issue, so Jaden Hicks is expected to start. Alohi Gilman should be available at the other safety spot after dealing with back spasms. The focus, however, remains on Mahomes. He has a brace on his leg, but he is running and throwing like the old version of himself.
This is more than a football game. It is a statement. Mahomes refused to let a devastating injury define him. He stayed, he worked, and he is ready. That is the Zambian spirit: resilience, pride, and the will to rise. Come Monday night, all eyes will be on Kansas City, and we will be watching with pride as a champion returns.