Patrick Mahomes has spent the offseason working toward one goal: starting the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener against the Denver Broncos. While Andy Reid has not officially named him the starter, everything points toward Mahomes being under center on Monday night.

Former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green spoke with Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. while helping unveil the Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” painting at Indiana University, his alma mater. He explained why Mahomes’ work since his knee injury has convinced him the quarterback will be ready for Week 1.

“I always say that a motivated Patrick Mahomes is a dangerous Patrick Mahomes, and I think he has always found ways throughout his career, whether it be in college or the NFL, to try and prove people wrong,” Green told Chiefs Wire.

After watching the quarterback throughout training camp, Green thinks the motivation behind his comeback could make Mahomes especially dangerous.

Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL during the Chiefs’ Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last season. Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ team physician, repaired Mahomes’ left knee the following day.

Doctors initially cautioned Mahomes that his recovery could stretch into October. He instead targeted Week 1 and worked with Kansas City’s first-team offense throughout training camp.

Green has watched those practices closely and expects Mahomes to complete his comeback against Denver.

“I like a motivated Patrick Mahomes. I think he’s gonna have a good year, and I think he will be starting Week One against Denver on Monday night. I’ve seen him take every rep at practice,” Green told Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. on September 7.

Green also said Mahomes sitting out the preseason was a good decision. He pointed to the quarterback's quick surgery and the roughly nine months he had to prepare for the opener.

Green knows the rehabilitation process firsthand after previously suffering an ACL, MCL and lateral meniscus injury. He understands how difficult the physical and mental recovery can become.

Mahomes finished the 2025 season with 22 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in 14 games. He also ran for 422 yards and five touchdowns before his injury ended his season.

Green isn't the only person around Kansas City who has seen Mahomes look ready for the opener.

Chiefs teammates see Patrick Mahomes ready for Week 1

The Chiefs kept Mahomes out of all three preseason games, but Reid said he would keep getting work during practice.

“He’s going to keep practicing just like he’s been doing,” Reid told the Associated Press, as reported by NFL.com on September 3. “These are more like practice here, a lot of one-versus-one play these next couple of days. That’s a good thing.”

Wide receiver Xavier Worthy has also spent significant time rebuilding his timing with Mahomes. Worthy returned to Kansas City early in the offseason to work with the quarterback during his rehabilitation.

“Me and Pat, we’ve kind of been working this offseason on the timing and stuff you need to work on,” Worthy said. “I feel like when it’s time to play, we’ll all be ready.”

Worthy has also seen Mahomes set the tone through his approach to the comeback. He said Mahomes' work ethic and determination have stood out throughout the process, giving the rest of the team someone to follow.

Mahomes still has to make it through the final days before the opener, but everything around Kansas City points to him being ready for Denver.

Written by

Evince Das