Patrick Mahomes returned from a major knee injury with a statement win, then made it clear he believes the Kansas City Chiefs are only getting started. The Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Sept. 14, giving Mahomes a winning return nine months after surgery.
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL last December, ending his 2025 NFL season after just 14 games. He entered Monday night facing questions about his mobility, timing, and ability to handle contact after such a long recovery.
Those concerns faded quickly. Mahomes scored on a 15-yard rushing touchdown during Kansas City‘s opening drive, showing the mobility that has long defined his game.
He finished 15-of-27 for 184 yards, two touchdown passes, and one interception. Mahomes also added 23 rushing yards and finished with three total touchdowns.
After the victory, Mahomes posted on X, “Want to give all glory and thanks to God! Letting me be out there doing what I love again! Chiefs Kingdom, this is just the start; see y’all next week!”
His message reflected both relief and ambition after a difficult 2025 campaign. Kansas City finished 6-11 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.
help on both sides
Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) practices before the game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The biggest boost came from Kenneth Walker III, who rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. His production allowed Kansas City to control the game without forcing Mahomes to carry the offense immediately.
Andy Reid praised Walker after the game, saying, “For him to play the way he did, I thought was spectacular.” Walker’s 60-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1 also changed the game’s momentum.
The Chiefs defense complemented that rushing attack by holding Denver to 176 total yards. Bo Nix threw for 131 yards while throwing an interception.
That balance matters for Mahomes, who has called the win “the first step.” Kansas City does not need him to win every game alone if Walker can provide a reliable ground attack and the defense keeps creating short fields.
Mahomes also found Rashee Rice for a touchdown and later connected with Travis Kelce for 59 yards. His 86.0 passer rating showed some rust, but the overall performance offered enough evidence for optimism.
Kansas City now turns toward Indianapolis, with the Colts visiting next Sunday night. For Mahomes, the return is complete. His “just the start” message suggests the Chiefs expect much more ahead.
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