# Mahomes recovery and upcoming season opener > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mahomes-injury-impact-on-2026-season > Updated: 2026-09-09T17:15:30.000Z. Sources: 112. Developments: 22. Patrick Mahomes entered the 2026 Kansas City Chiefs training camp recovering from a season-ending ACL/LCL injury. While a poll of coaches and scouts kept him at the top of quarterback rankings, some outlets demoted him to Tier 2. During camp, a viral moment occurred when Mahomes threw a pass that struck center Hunter Nourzad in the head; Mahomes later responded to the clip with a meme. As Mahomes continues his recovery, head coach Andy Reid has taken a cautious approach regarding his participation in exhibition games. Although Mahomes has been medically cleared and has participated in full-team practices, Reid indicated that “percentages lean” against using him in the preseason to protect his knee and provide repetitions for depth players like Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier, and Chris Oladokun. Mahomes sat out the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams and the subsequent matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During the Buccaneers game, Justin Fields was slated to start at quarterback through the second quarter, followed by Nussmeier and Oladokun. Nine months after tearing his ACL and LCL during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes has completed a full rehabilitation process. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Mahomes is cleared to start the season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. While Mahomes may wear a brace, his movement appears normal. Teammate Travis Kelce praised Mahomes’ determination, noting that the quarterback’s mentality shifted immediately following surgery. As the team prepares for the matchup, they continue to manage offensive line injuries, with rookie Kahlil Benson potentially starting for left tackle Josh Simmons. In addition to his physical recovery, Mahomes has launched the ‘Patrick Mahomes Signature Series’ eyewear collection in partnership with Oakley, featuring designs inspired by the Chiefs. ## Claims - Patrick Mahomes was cleared to participate in Chiefs training camp on July 24 after ACL and LCL surgery. (disputed by 5 sources) - Mahomes is recovering from a season‑ending ACL injury suffered late in the previous season. (disputed) - Justin Fields was acquired from the New York Jets as a backup quarterback for the Chiefs. (corroborated by 4 sources) - During Chiefs training camp, Mahomes threw a pass that hit center Hunter Nourzad in the back of the head. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Chiefs began training camp early, bringing quarterbacks and rookies to Missouri Western State University for a three‑day crash course. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Chiefs finished the previous season with a 6‑11 record. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Brittany Mahomes posted a celebratory Instagram story about Patrick Mahomes' return to training camp. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mahomes wore a knee brace and adjusted it several times during drills. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Head coach Andy Reid said Mahomes looked good and completed a full workload in practice. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Defensive end Ethan Downs suffered a torn ACL and was placed on season‑ending injured reserve. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rookie tight end John Michael Gyllenborg sprained his knee and was placed on season‑ending injured reserve. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Patrick Mahomes cleared to start Chiefs season opener Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is set to start the season opener against the Denver Broncos, returning nine months after undergoing surgery for serious knee injuries. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-cleared-to-start-chiefs-season-opener ### 2026-09-09: Kansas City Chiefs face roster shifts as Patrick Mahomes nears NFL return Patrick Mahomes prepares for an NFL return following knee surgery while launching a signature Oakley eyewear collection. Meanwhile, the Chiefs face potential roster shifts regarding defensive tackle Chris Jones 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kansas-city-chiefs-face-roster-shifts-as-patrick-mahomes-nears-nfl-return ### 2026-09-09: Denver Broncos to face Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 showdown The Denver Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 1 primetime matchup, featuring the returns of quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix from injury. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denver-broncos-announce-2026-captains-amid-contract-market-shifts ### 2026-09-07: Patrick Mahomes expected to start for Chiefs in season opener Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to start Monday night against the Denver Broncos, returning from ACL and LCL tears suffered nine months ago. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-prepares-for-week-1-return-following-major-knee-injury ### 2026-09-06: Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs to open NFL season The Denver Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL season opener on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denver-broncos-and-kansas-city-chiefs-to-open-nfl-season ### 2026-09-02: Patrick Mahomes on track to start Week 1 for Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to start Week 1 against the Denver Broncos following a successful recovery from knee surgery. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-on-track-to-start-week-1-for-kansas-city-chiefs ### 2026-08-25: Kansas City Chiefs prepare for season opener amid injury concerns The Kansas City Chiefs are managing key injuries as they prepare for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, with Patrick Mahomes targeting a return and the defense adjusting to several unavailable players. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kansas-city-chiefs-prepare-for-season-opener-amid-injury-concerns ### 2026-08-23: Patrick Mahomes sits out Chiefs preseason game amid injury recovery Patrick Mahomes sat out the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason loss to the Buccaneers as he continues recovering from a knee injury, expressing readiness to play despite coaching staff decisions. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-sits-out-chiefs-preseason-game-amid-injury-recovery ### 2026-08-18: Kansas City Chiefs prepare for Buccaneers preseason game The Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their preseason game against the Buccaneers, with Justin Fields set to start while Patrick Mahomes sits out to continue his recovery. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/travis-kelce-launches-nil-venture-while-preparing-for-nfl-season ### 2026-08-14: Los Angeles Rams defeat Kansas City Chiefs in preseason opener The Los Angeles Rams beat the Kansas City Chiefs 20-12 in a preseason game led by rookie QB Ty Simpson. Patrick Mahomes sat out, while Travis Kelce drew attention for his new wedding band. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kansas-city-chiefs-to-sideline-patrick-mahomes-for-preseason-opener ### 2026-08-07: Patrick Mahomes unlikely to play in Chiefs' preseason due to knee recovery Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says quarterback Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play in the preseason to protect his surgically repaired left knee ahead of the regular season. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-to-miss-chiefs-preseason-games-after-knee-surgery ### 2026-08-03: Patrick Mahomes Anchors Chiefs Training Camp as Rankings Shift Mahomes leads Chiefs camp, recovering from ACL, stays top‑ranked but drops to Tier 2; a viral throw hits a teammate, he memes it, while the team copes with Bieniemy’s wife’s shooting and other player updates. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-viral-trainingcamp-throw-draws-online-buzz ### 2026-07-26: Patrick Mahomes cleared for Chiefs camp, shows promising recovery Patrick Mahomes cleared for Chiefs camp, completed full drills despite adjusting his knee brace; coaches say he looks good. Chiefs also placed DE Ethan Downs and TE John Michael Gyllenborg on IR. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-looks-ready-as-chiefs-training-camp-video-goes-viral ### 2026-07-24: Kansas City Chiefs kick off 2026‑27 training camp as Mahomes returns and rookie Delane rehabs Patrick Mahomes returns to Chiefs training camp while rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane rehabs a shoulder injury, with coach Andy Reid lauding both players' progress. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kansas-city-chiefs-kick-off-202627-training-camp-as-mahomes-returns-and-rookie-delane-rehabs ### 2026-07-24: Patrick Mahomes cleared for full training camp participation Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes cleared for full training camp participation after ACL/LCL surgery, with coach Andy Reid optimistic he could start Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-cleared-for-chiefs-training-camp-ahead-of-2026-season ### 2026-07-20: Patrick Mahomes cleared for training camp as Chiefs gear up for 2026 season Patrick Mahomes is set to get full medical clearance and join the Chiefs’ training camp this week, marking his first on‑field work since his ACL/LCL injury. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-cleared-for-training-camp-as-chiefs-gear-up-for-2026-season ### 2026-07-18: Patrick Mahomes' play‑extension critique and Travis Kelke's leadership praised ahead of Chiefs 2026 season Jason Dunn flagged Mahomes’ tendency to hold the ball too long; Mahomes praised Kelce’s size, speed and leadership as both prepare for the Chiefs’ 2026 campaign, with Mahomes recovering from a knee injury. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-playextension-critique-and-travis-kelkes-leadership-praised-ahead-of-chiefs-2026-sea ### 2026-07-17: Patrick Mahomes' injury status ahead of NFL training camps Mahomes aims to return for Week 1 as Chiefs training camp starts, while Rodgers' final season, Donald's possible comeback, and QB battles shape NFL preseason storylines. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kansas-city-chiefs-start-training-camp-mahomes-health-and-rookie-outlook ### 2026-07-15: Patrick Mahomes pushes to start Week 1 despite knee injury Patrick Mahomes aims to start Week 1 for the Chiefs despite a recent ACL/LCL tear, hoping to face the Denver Broncos; coaches will decide based on his health, with Justin Fields as backup. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-pushes-to-start-week-1-despite-knee-injury ### 2026-07-13: Josh Allen Voted NFL’s Top Quarterback in AP Preseason Survey AP writers rank Buffalo’s Josh Allen as the NFL’s top quarterback for 2026, edging out Patrick Mahomes, who placed second after an ACL injury. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-allen-open-to-broadcasting-and-named-aps-top-quarterback ### 2026-07-13: Kansas City Chiefs aim to rebound in 2026 as Mahomes recovers from ACL tear The Chiefs aim to rebound in 2026 after a 6‑11 2025 season; Mahomes, recovering from an ACL tear, is expected to return for the opening game, with backup Justin Fields ready if needed. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-acl-recovery-leaves-him-second-in-espn-qb-poll-ahead-of-2026-season ### 2026-07-06: Patrick Mahomes projected as top fantasy quarterback for 2026 despite recent injury Fantasy analysts rank Patrick Mahomes 14th for 2026 after a season‑ending knee injury, but project a top‑three finish if he stays healthy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patrick-mahomes-projected-as-top-fantasy-quarterback-for-2026-despite-recent-injury --- Cite as: Mahomes recovery and upcoming season opener. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mahomes-injury-impact-on-2026-season