There’s been a lot of discussion around Patrick Mahomes‘ return this season. And by now, fans know that there’s something to look forward to. His return is a reason why the Kansas City Chiefs have a primetime slot for their opening game. But Mahomes can be healthy and still fail if he doesn’t have the right support in the offense.

Mahomes cannot play at the levels he’s known for if he never gets the chance to make those plays. We saw how that unfolded for him last season, with an extremely shaky offensive line protecting him. But this year, Trey Smith believes the O-line is locked in to allow Mahomes to do what he does best.

“As an offensive lineman, you always feel the responsibility to keep your quarterback calm, protected, allowing him to operate,” Smith told NFL Network’s The Insiders. “You have the best quarterback in the game right now. So, you wanna just give him any opportunity and ability to do what he does best.

“At the end of the day, Patrick Mahomes is the best competitor I’ve ever been around… And as a front five unit, if we can all work cohesively, build more chemistry, and as the year goes on and progresses, we obviously want to keep Pat healthy, because we know what type of player he is. He’s already proved himself. And there’s much more for him to do as well.” 

The Chiefs’ offensive game used to be their AFC West-winning course. But last season, the offensive line alone took a lot of hits. During the final stretch, offensive tackles Jawaan Taylor and Josh Simmons suffered injuries in Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys. Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris replaced them, but followed suit with their own injuries. The Chiefs had to rely on third-string tackles. 

The O-line regressed after an already bad season in 2024.  Mahomes was sacked a career-high 36 times that season, and was only two sacks short of tying that total in 2025. Following the Week 8 game against the Washington Commanders, Mahomes faced three or more sacks in each game, barring the Houston Texans game. Mahomes ended his season with five from the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs have a 35.5% pressure allowed rate entering the 2026 season.

Kansas City plans to roll out almost the entirety of the 2025 O-line, save for Taylor, who was released. It’s not like they have bad players, because Creed Humphrey is one of the best centers in the league. Simmons, who was a rookie last year, still managed to score a 75.5 PFF grade in pass blocking. Kingsley Sumataia is expected to have a breakout year, despite an extremely bad showing. Having been through the fire for yet another time, the Chiefs are probably hoping that they’ll be able to withstand the pressure for Patrick Mahomes to thrive.

The O-line will have their work cut out, because the QB is giving more than his 100% to line up on the field in Week 1.

Travis Kelce hints at Patrick Mahomes’ recovery as the Chiefs prepare for the clash against the Broncos

Jason Kelce asked his brother for some inside scoop on Mahomes’ much-touted return in the opener against the Denver Broncos. Reid and general manager Brett Veach have both been very optimistic about the QB’s recovery from his LCL and ACL injuries. He is reportedly leaving no stone unturned – when Mahomes has to be somewhere away, he takes a trainer from the Chiefs facility with him.

“That man’s been working his a– off. I know that, ” Travis Kelce responded to his brother’s inquiry. 

Veach said previously that Mahomes was constantly in the building. His projected timeline for recovery was nine to twelve months, which made it possible to predict his return in September, right when the season kicks off. Mahomes was also seen throwing only 100 days after his injury. All signs predict that he will be good to go before the Broncos matchup.

However, the Chiefs have also said that they will keep Mahomes limited in participation for at least the OTAs. Even though he is eager, Kansas City will not let him play “hero ball” just yet, as Andy Reid said recently. If Mahomes is out of the picture in any way, so are the Chiefs’ hopes of escaping the 6-11 record from last year.