Patrick Mahomes Returns From Injury as NFL's Top Earner

Patrick Mahomes is expected to start for the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, marking a rapid return from a severe knee injury that sidelined him late last season. His comeback against the Denver Broncos headlines the NFL's opening week, coinciding with his status as the league's highest-paid quarterback.

Is Mahomes Fully Back From His Knee Injury?

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has said he expects Mahomes to take the opening snap on Monday, September 14, 2026. The three-time Super Bowl MVP suffered a torn left ACL and LCL last December, underwent surgery, and completed an extensive rehab program. He received full clearance for training camp and has been a full participant throughout the offseason, setting the stage for a remarkably quick return to action. You can track his progress and the team's health on our [injuries](/injuries) page.

Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning issued a warning to the rest of the league about Mahomes's return. Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, told ESPN's 'Get Up' that the key indicator will be Mahomes's signature playmaking ability. "I think it's just his ability to create plays," Manning said. "Extending plays, those third down runs, going to get first downs, moving in the pocket, scrambling, and just creating when things are off-script. You can't fool him."

How Does Josh Allen's Rise Affect Mahomes?

Mahomes returns to a league where his perennial rival, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, is gaining ground in the 'best player' debate. A recent poll saw Allen voted as the better player by some, with 18 ballots leaving Mahomes off entirely. Analyst Albert Breer noted Allen had been gaining on Mahomes for years after Mahomes dominated voting from 2020 to 2024. Those still backing Mahomes point to the expected improvement of the Chiefs' run game with new addition Kenneth Walker III. Despite the chatter, Mahomes's career record of winning, including multiple victories over Allen, remains his strongest argument.

Where Does Mahomes Rank Among NFL Salaries?

As the 2026 season kicks off, Mahomes sits atop the NFL's quarterback salary list. His annual average of $63.1 million leads all players, reaffirming his value to the Kansas City franchise. The list of the league's highest-paid passers features several familiar elite names, with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott next at $60 million. A trio of stars, including Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Matthew Stafford, are tied for third at $55 million each. This financial standing shows his central role as the Chiefs prepare for their [fixtures](/fixtures).

• Patrick Mahomes is set to start Week 1 against Denver on Monday, September 14, after recovering from a December knee injury.
• Eli Manning says the test for Mahomes is his off-script playmaking, warning defenses "you can't fool him."
• Mahomes leads all NFL quarterbacks in salary for the 2026 season with an average of $63.1 million per year.
• Rival Josh Allen is seen by some as the league's best player, creating a fresh narrative for the new season.