Patrick Mahomes’ 9 Month Return from ACL Tear Against Broncos Sparks Warnings from Dan Orlovsky and Kurt Warner

When Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and MCL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers last season, Kansas City Chiefs fans probably felt that their team was going to struggle the following season as well.

An ACL tear takes a year to recover from once surgery is over. Since he tore both that and his MCL, there was still doubt about whether he would return in time to help the team make the playoffs.

They had been a mainstay in the postseason for 10 straight years. But with offseason acquisition Justin Fields manning the most important position until Mahomes returns was not confidence-inspiring.

Then came videos of the superstar quarterback working out much earlier than expected, which then led to a belief that maybe the 30-year-old has a chance of suiting up for Week 1.

Now, per Andy Reid, that dream is going to become true. Mahomes will start for the Chiefs when the Denver Broncos visit Arrowhead Stadium on September 14. As good as that might sound, a former player raised some doubts that should have Chiefs fans worried.

I have concerns. This defensive front, even without Jonathan Cooper on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, this defensive front led the NFL in sacks. The way this offensive makeup is right now, I’m a little bit cautious going into this game if I’m Kansas City.

Dan Orlovsky said on NFL Live

.@danorlovsky7 has "significant concerns" about Patrick Mahomes' Week 1 return vs. the Broncos 😳 pic.twitter.com/wpF8pWkcRP

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 8, 2026

The ESPN analyst believes that the Broncos’ sack-hungry defense may not be the best matchup for a player nine months removed from an ACL tear. Patrick Mahomes will take time to adjust to his movement on the field, and that could be the Chiefs’ undoing.

Kurt Warner raises Patrick Mahomes’ mobility concerns

To escape that Denver Broncos defense, Patrick Mahomes will have to use his feet. With his offensive line banged up, Hall of Famer Kurt Warner wants to see whether the Chiefs QB still has those abilities in him that make him great.

Mobility, especially the last couple of years, has been a huge part of Patrick Mahomes’ game… That movement, that hard jump up, the ability to turn the corner and make plays.

Kurt Warner said on NFL Network

The Rams legend added that those movement concerns will also hinder Reid’s ability to call various plays in fourth-and-one situations. If the head coach does not call plays where his signal caller scrambles, then it will give an idea of how far the Texas Tech alum has come in his recovery.

.@kurt13warner's checklist on what he wants to see from Patrick Mahomes in Week 1 📋@Chiefs | @PatrickMahomes pic.twitter.com/wyuTQOjtsp

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 9, 2026

Warner also raised question marks about whether Patrick Mahomes will be able to sling deep passes down the field. He has offensive weapons who can get there, but his surgically repaired knee will decide how far he can throw.

Andy Reid claims Patrick Mahomes is back moving at his best

These concerns came up after Andy Reid announced that Patrick Mahomes would start Week 1 against the Broncos. At the same time, the burger-loving coach also mentioned something about his most important player that probably could alleviate any concerns.

You guys have seen him out there; what it looks like him running around, doing his stuff. Other than a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. He’s running around the same way he’s always done, and throwing the ball like he’s always done. I think we’re fine there.

Andy Reid told reporters

The 68-year-old seems pretty confident that his two-time league MVP is back at his best. Whether it is moving around as he does or throwing the ball across the field, Reid believes everything is fine unless there is a setback.

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