Patrick Mahomes Cleared for Week 1 Return With Rookie Blindside Protector

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes carries no injury designation for Monday's opener against the Denver Broncos after practicing fully. Returning from a December 2025 torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, the 30-year-old will wear a protective brace. With first-round left tackle Josh Simmons ruled out due to a back injury, undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will make his NFL debut protecting Mahomes' blindside.