Patrick Mahomes Makes Surprising Admission About His Leg After Injury Return

Patrick Mahomes had 3 touchdowns in week one against the Broncos while wearing a protective brace over his knee.

Patrick Mahomes Makes Surprising Admission About His Leg After Injury Return

Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

On Monday, Patrick Mahomes played his first NFL game since suffering an ACL and LCL tear last year. Mahomes contributed three touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs scored 30 points against rivals the Denver Broncos.

While Mahomes recovered, the Chiefs underwent massive changes. Eric Bieniemy returned as the offensive coordinator; Super Bowl 60 MVP running back Kenneth Walker was signed, and Travis Kelce’s contract was extended.

Both Walker and Kelce played key roles on opening day. Yet, by the end of the day, it was a Patrick Mahomes show. Mahomes completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He rushed 7 times and scored one touchdown, all while wearing a lightweight protective brace on his left knee.

During the post-game presser, reporters asked Mahomes about the condition of his knee.

Yeah, I feel normal, [but]…  You get sore everywhere else because you haven’t played football in so long. And so, the leg is like the least of my worries right now.

Patrick Mahomes said

Walker had a debut to remember in Chiefs red. The former second-round draft pick alone had more yards than the entire Broncos team. Walker had 191 yards and 2 touchdowns.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Chiefs broke 28 tackles throughout the game, leading to 247 yards after contact, the most such yards allowed by any defense since at least 2018. Walker forced 14 missed tackles, while rookie Emmett Johnson forced seven.

Kelce did not disappoint either. Although he caught just 3 passes, the veteran tight end led the receivers with 71 yards. He capped off his night with a 56-yard scramble to etch his name in the record books.

But the real star of the show was the Chiefs’ defense. Rookie DB Mansoor Delane picked off Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the first drive. The Chiefs’ pass rush, even without Chamarri Conner, applied constant pressure on Nix, racking up 4 sacks. Nix was limited to just 4.7 yards per throw. The Chiefs start the season 1-0.

Mahomes suffered an ACL tear in the Week 15 fixture against the Los Angeles Chargers. Without wasting time, he underwent surgery and entered rehab. Meanwhile, the Chiefs traded for Justin Fields from the Jets and drafted former LSU signal caller Garrett Nussmeier.

Nearly four months later, he began training with his personal trainer. The two-time league MVP joined the Chiefs during offseason camp. By spring session, he was actively participating in every training routine.

Despite his rapid progress, experts doubted whether Mahomes would start in week one. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Mahomes’ availability for opening day. Reid noted that Mahomes would wear a light brace over his knee for added protection.

With Week 1 done and dusted, all eyes turn to the Week 2 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts. Mahomes has won one and lost twice against the Colts. In 2025, the Chiefs lost 30-27 in overtime. Mahomes completed 29 of 46 passes for 352 yards and 1 interception.

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Brittany Mahomes sent a heartfelt message to Patrick Mahomes on his birthday

The Chiefs’ first win came at the right moment for Mahomes. 24 hours later, Mahomes celebrated his 31st Birthday.

Patrick Mahomes Makes Surprising Admission About His Leg After Injury Return
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

His wife, Brittany Mahomes, wrote a special message on Instagram.

Happy Birthday Babe!! You mean the world to us hope you feel so special and loved today but truly everyday you’re so special to us! The heart of our family, we love you the MOST!

Brittany Mahomes wrote

Patrick and Brittany have been together since high school. They briefly parted in college as Patrick attended Texas Tech while Brittany played soccer at UT Tyler. They married in September 2020. They have three children: two daughters (Sterling and Golden Raye) and a son (Bronze).

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