The first Monday Night Football game of the 2026 season will feature the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos. The biggest question heading into the matchup: Will Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix both be under center?
Patrick Mahomes ACL and LCL Recovery
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL during the Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. He traveled to Dallas for surgery, which was performed by a surgeon widely known for LCL repairs.
Pro Football Doc said Mahomes faces a difficult recovery timeline.
“There is no way for him to be 100% healthy for the start of next season,” Pro Football Doc said at the time of the injury. “No one is doubting him. But the fact is, when you tear the LCL and ACL, have the LCL repaired and the ACL reconstructed, this is a much higher bar than a simple ACL reconstruction. Can he play from the pocket? Sure. But it might be 2027 before Patrick Mahomes is fully mobile like he was before.”
Bo Nix Right Ankle Fracture Recovery
Nix suffered a fractured right ankle during the Broncos’ divisional-round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 17, 2026, and underwent successful surgery shortly after. In late April, it was revealed that Nix had a second procedure on his ankle earlier in the month.
According to reports, the second procedure was described as an anticipated follow-up cleanup procedure.
Pro Football Doc said a cleanup ankle scope is not unusual, though calling it “anticipated” may be strong.
The Broncos and Nix have both expressed optimism that he will be ready for the start of training camp.
Bottom Line
Pro Football Doc expects Nix to be cleared and ready for the Week 1 matchup. Mahomes, however, is less certain. Given the combination of ACL reconstruction and LCL repair, Pro Football Doc expects Mahomes to likely miss the start of the season and believes it could be 2027 before he fully regains his pre-injury mobility.
