Mahomes may be just nine months removed from a significant knee injury, but he's showing no ill effects from it to start the 2026 NFL season.
Mahomes was able to return from a torn ACL and LCL in his left
knee to start the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 season opener against the Denver Broncos. And on Kansas City's first offensive drive of the game, the veteran quarterback showed that he still has the mobility that made him a unique, dual-threat weapon for the Chiefs.
Mahomes ran for the first time of the season on a second-and-goal from the 15-yard line. He originally faded back to pass, but he saw a lane open in front of him and scampered into it.
From there, Mahomes was able to show off solid speed and get into the end-zone for the game ending touchdown.
Here's a look at the play:
While Mahomes was able to punch in the score, his role during Kansas City's first offensive drive wasn't as prominent as usual. The Chiefs relied on marquee free-agent acquisition, and Super Bowl 60 MVP, Kenneth Walker III to catalyze their offense, giving him seven carries while Mahomes attempted just two passes.
The expectation was always that the Chiefs would skew ground-heavy while Mahomes eases back into action just nine months after suffering his season-ending knee injury against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Even so, Mahomes' scramble showed he won't simply be willing to take a back seat as he looks to lead the Chiefs to a bounce-back season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Mahomes announces his return from a torn ACL with a TD run on first drive
