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Patrick Mahomes announces his return from a torn ACL with a TD run on first drive

Patrick Mahomes made an immediate statement in his comeback to the gridiron, scrambling into the end zone for a touchdown during the opening offensive possession of the game. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was suiting up for the kickoff of his tenth professional season in a Week 1 Monday night showdown against the Denver Broncos on September 14, 2026.

The performance highlighted his regained mobility following surgery to repair both the ACL and LCL in his left knee, an issue sustained in December 2025 late in a Week 15 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers that halted Kansas City's postseason hopes.

The dynamic play served as a dramatic return for the three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time league MVP, marking his initial appearance in action since the major knee trauma nine months prior. Outside observers had kept a close eye on his rehabilitation heading into the season opener, with former NFL center Jason Kelce among those discussing what to expect from the star passer upon re-entering competition.