Patrick Mahomes faces ACL injury warning as his father encounters new hurdle over Chiefs games

Patrick Mahomes is facing an early warning over his ACL recovery ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener, while his father has asked a judge for permission to travel to several games during the 2026 NFL season.

Mahomes is expected to start against the Denver Broncos in Week 1, just nine months after tearing his ACL. That has raised questions over whether the quarterback is returning too quickly.

There are also concerns about the protection Mahomes will receive, particularly with left tackle Josh Simmons potentially missing time while dealing with a lingering back injury.

Simmons' technique could put Mahomes at risk after dad deals with own situation

The biggest concern is not simply whether Mahomes is ready to return. It is also what could happen once he is back behind the Chiefs' offensive line.

Danny Heifetz of The Ringer Fantasy Football Show raised the possibility of Mahomes suffering another ACL injury because of Simmons' blocking technique.

"I think Patrick Mahomes is gonna tear his ACL again," Heifetz said.

He went on to explain that Simmons regularly uses a technique known as the "snatch technique", which involves grabbing a defender by the shoulder pads and throwing them down.

That could create a problem for Mahomes because Simmons could potentially send a defender towards his quarterback's legs.

Former Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz has also repeatedly criticised Simmons' use of the technique, particularly with Mahomes expected to have less mobility following his ACL injury.

Mahomes could also be asked to do plenty of work himself. Last season, he had to scramble frequently to help compensate for an explosive running game and pass-catching group that did not provide enough support.

Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes Sr. is dealing with his own situation away from the field.

The quarterback's father is currently on probation in Texas after pleading guilty to his third DWI charge and has asked the court for permission to travel to Kansas City, Las Vegas and Cincinnati for Chiefs games.

According to court documents, Mahomes Sr. would still be required to complete urinalysis testing before and after each trip.

For the Chiefs, however, the immediate focus is on keeping their star quarterback healthy.

Mahomes' return comes with plenty of expectation, but the protection around him could prove just as important as his own recovery.