In first drive back from torn ACL, Patrick Mahomes scrambles in for a running TD

Patrick Mahomes was back in the lineup for Week 1. And he showed in the Kansas City Chiefs’ first drive that he’s all the way back.

Any concern about Mahomes’ mobility coming off a torn ACL was quelled right away. After Bo Nix threw an interception to start the Denver Broncos’ night, the Chiefs went on a long drive that was mostly Kenneth Walker III rushes. But when Mahomes needed to make a play with his legs he did so. Twice.

Mahomes ran for a touchdown but it was called back due to holding. It was still good to see Mahomes scrambling and getting into the end zone. Then on the next play, he did it again from further out.

Mahomes scrambled and ran up the middle for a 15-yard score. There had to be some worry on the sideline as he took off, but Mahomes made it to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead. Mahomes didn’t slide to be safe, instead lunging into the end zone for the score. There was a clear hold by Travis Kelce on the play but no flag was thrown, and Mahomes’ score stood up on his second try.

HE’S BAAAAACK

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— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2026

There was concern that Mahomes would miss some or most of the 2026 season when he tore his ACL last December. But his recovery was smooth and there wasn’t a question by mid-summer that he’d be playing Week 1. There was some question over what his mobility would look like though.

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p style=”text-align:left”>Mahomes showed right away there was no problem in that regard.