NFL

‘I held my breath’: As Kenneth Walker carries Chiefs win, Patrick Mahomes explains where he’s fully back — and where he’s not

September 15, 2026

Patrick Mahomes successfully returned to competition nine months after suffering torn ACL and LCL ligaments against the Los Angeles Chargers, guiding the Kansas City Chiefs to a comprehensive 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Testing his surgically repaired left knee, the quarterback accumulated 184 aerial yards and threw two scoring passes, including a short strike to Rashee Rice late in the second quarter.

Mahomes also matched his career-long regular-season touchdown run with a 15-yard sprint, quickly bouncing back after an initial scoring dash was nullified by an infraction.

Newly acquired running back Kenneth Walker III also made an immediate impact during his Kansas City debut, receiving postgame credit from his quarterback for establishing the squad's offensive rhythm. The Week 1 triumph at Arrowhead Stadium showcased an effective offensive balance, with Mahomes expressing relief and satisfaction simply to be back in action as the Chiefs overpowered their division rivals.