Patrick Mahomes made his long-awaited return to the field after a nine-month injury layoff, leading the Kansas City Chiefs in their season opener against the Denver Broncos. The quarterback had undergone surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, and fans at Arrowhead Stadium greeted him with loud cheers as he entered the game. Mahomes showed his physical strength early in the game, scrambling out of the pocket and diving for a 15-yard touchdown after being hit by two defenders. Kansas City went on to win 31-10.
Despite his return, much of the offensive load was carried by running back Kenneth Walker III, who rushed for significant yards and helped control the game's tempo, according to ESPN. Walker’s performance was especially notable as he accumulated 101 rushing yards over expected, the most by a Chiefs running back since at least 2018. Walker finished with a career-high 173 rushing yards on 23 carries and added 18 receiving yards. He scored two touchdowns in his Chiefs debut.
The Chiefs' offensive line played a major role in the team’s success, with rookie tackle Kahlil Benson making his NFL debut at left tackle. Benson, who came from Indiana and was not drafted, stepped in for Josh Simmons, who missed the game due to a lower back injury. Benson allowed only one quarterback pressure on 32 pass-blocking snaps, according to NFL.com.
The Broncos tied the game after a touchdown pass from Nix to Engram, but the Chiefs quickly responded with a long drive that ended in a score, according to a report from The Guardian. A fumble by Nix on the next possession gave the Chiefs an opportunity to close out the game, which they did with a creative play involving Mahomes and backup quarterback Justin Fields.
Mahomes lined up in a three-point stance, took the snap, and shoveled the ball to Walker, who ran untouched for the score. The unusual play was inspired by old football footage from the 1930s and had been practiced by the Chiefs before the game.
The Chiefs never trailed in the game, and their performance was seen as a strong start to the season after Mahomes’ return. Walker expressed pride in his debut with the Chiefs, calling the team’s preparation and execution in practice impressive. Walker also broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter.
The team’s offensive strategy leaned more on running plays, with 31 designed runs compared to just 27 passing attempts. Mahomes said he felt confident after his first snap, noting that the hard work in rehab had paid off. He also praised Walker’s ability to run tough between the tackles and bounce out for big gains.
Mahomes completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 23 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City finished with 392 total yards while Denver managed 176.
The Broncos, who had won the AFC West title last season, were unable to overcome the Chiefs' strong start. The game showcased Mahomes’ resilience and Walker’s impact, as both players helped the Chiefs take control early. Reid, the team's coach, commended Walker’s performance and said he played at a high level throughout the game.
Benson was also praised by Mahomes for his run blocking and his ability to handle his first NFL start. Benson said he took pride in doing his job when given the opportunity. The Chiefs’ victory was a sign of their potential as the season progresses, especially with Mahomes back in action. The team’s ability to execute both running and passing plays gave them a balanced offensive approach.
Kelce still played an important role in the win. He caught three passes for 71 yards, including a 59-yard reception that helped set up a field goal. The performance moved Kelce past Jason Witten into second place on the NFL career receiving-yardage list among tight ends.
Mahomes’ return was not only emotional for fans but also a key factor in the team’s ability to control the game.