“He Will Be Elite,” Stephen A. Smith’s Prediction For Patrick Mahomes Ahead of Comeback After ACL Injury

Stephen A. Smith backs Patrick Mahomes to bounce back in 2026.

“He Will Be Elite,” Stephen A. Smith’s Prediction For Patrick Mahomes Ahead of Comeback After ACL Injury

Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

Patrick Mahomes is coming off a major ACL injury that forced him to miss the final three games of the 2025 NFL season. Even before that, the 30-year-old struggled to win games for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs were 6-6 after twelve games—the first time since Mahomes took over as the starter. The following two games ended in defeats. Mahomes recorded his lowest pass completion percentage of his career, 62.7. He also threw 11 picks and a career-low 89.6 passer rating (excluding his rookie season).

In Week 15, Mahomes tore his ACL and spent the next eight months in rehab. The Chiefs did not gamble by playing him in the preseason. Then again, he is on track to play on opening day of the 2026 season.

A section of NFL experts believe Mahomes could struggle in the new season. Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith sided with Mahomes. The veteran ESPN analyst has complete faith in the two-time league MVP to record a great season. Smith noted that last year was an anomaly. Before that, the Chiefs won consecutive division crowns, multiple conference titles, and three championships. Smith said on First Take:

For the vast majority of his [NFL] career, it’s been nothing but greatness. [Patrick Mahomes] has one hiccup, last season and everybody is ready to throw him out the pasture? This is a mistake. Patrick Mahomes will be back. He will be elite. He is going to be special and remind all of you who he is.

Mahomes began training at home just four months after undergoing surgery. He participated in the OTAs, minicamp, and spring camp. Head coach Andy Reid rested Mahomes in preseason to avoid another injury. Justin Fields, Chris Oladokun, and rookie Garrett Nussmeier shared snaps in the three friendlies, with Nussmeier playing all four quarters against Seattle last week.

During Monday’s Chiefs luncheon, Mahomes put the league on high alert. Last year’s 6-11 record put a bad taste in his mouth, and he’s eager to set things right in the new season. Mahomes said via Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick:

I’ve worked to get to this point right here to be ready to go for the season… Just as hungry as I am, just as hungry as everybody on this stage and everybody in this audience. We’re going to go out there with the mindset that we’re going to be a new version of the Chiefs, that goes up there and dominates the same way the old one did.

RELATED
Tony Romo Seemingly Blaming NFL Injuries for Alcohol Addiction Angers Fans – “Using the Tiger Woods Playbook”

Sean Payton gives his honest thoughts on facing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2026

The Chiefs lost both games against rivals, the Denver Broncos, who won the AFC West after a decade. Broncos are the team to beat once again, but this time Sean Payton and his team will be more wary of the Chiefs.

"He Will Be Elite" - Stephen A. Smith's Prediction For Patrick Mahomes Ahead of Comeback After ACL Injury
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

In the second week of September, Payton and the Broncos kick off their season against Mahomes and the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. He said:

We know how talented he is and I’m sure he’s [Mahomes] attacked the rehab the way Bo [Nix] has… that’s kind of our approach to it.

Mahomes holds a 13-2 record over the Broncos in 15 meetings. He has thrown for 4047 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Last year, Mahomes threw for 276 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 22-19 defeat.

Also Read: