Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes proved his surgically repaired left knee was game‑ready on Monday night, rushing for two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos. After a penalty erased his first scramble, Mahomes took the ball on the next play and broke through the Broncos’ defense for a 15‑yard sprint to the end zone.
Mahomes shines despite recent injury
Mahomes finished with 184 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, matching his longest rushing touchdown in a regular‑season game. “If I was going to say I was nervous for anything, it was getting hit on it,” Mahomes said, adding that his extensive rehab prepared him for the moment. “I just wanted to play. My guys around me helped me, and we beat a really good football team pretty well.”
Supporting cast steps up
Running back Kenneth Walker III, making his Chiefs debut, contributed 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while veteran tight end Travis Kelce hauled in a 59‑yard reception that set up a field goal. Even undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson started at left tackle in place of the injured Josh Simmons, helping the offensive line keep Mahomes protected.
Chiefs’ preparation paid off
Mahomes suffered a torn left‑knee ligament nine months ago during a loss to the Chargers. He underwent surgery the next day in Dallas and began an aggressive rehab program, spending the summer in Kansas City working with trainer Julie Frymyer. He returned to full participation in training camp and, although he missed the three preseason games, the plan was always for him to be ready for Week 1.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised the quarterback’s return, saying, “It was great to get Patrick back in the mix, knock a little rust off. I was proud of him and how he handled it, and he ran the ball a couple of times. Phenomenal.”
Broncos struggle to contain Kansas City
The Broncos’ defense, which set a franchise record with 68 sacks a year ago, missed 28 tackles during the game and could not stop the Chiefs’ balanced attack. “They got to key on Pat. Pat’s the best quarterback in the league,” Walker said, noting that Mahomes’ mobility made the run game easier.
By the end of the night, Mahomes celebrated with the home crowd, lifting his arms in the middle of Arrowhead Stadium. “It’s just the start of it. We’re still so early in the season,” he said. “It’s a great win but it’s just Week 1.”
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
