Chiefs Likely to Sit Out Seahawks Matchup in NFL Season-Opener

Patrick Mahomes's ongoing rehab from ACL surgery casts doubt on his availability for Week 1

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angle view of a football game, with sharp planes of color representing the players and field, conceptually illustrating the complex factors behind the NFL's scheduling decisions.The NFL's decision to avoid a Chiefs-Seahawks season-opener reflects the league's balancing act between marquee matchups and player health concerns.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs are not expected to open the 2026 NFL season against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, according to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt. The main reason is that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes may not be fully recovered from a season-ending ACL injury in time for the Week 1 matchup.

Why it matters

The NFL's season-opening game is a marquee event, and the league likely wants to avoid a potential mismatch between the Chiefs and Seahawks if Mahomes is unable to play. This decision could impact viewership and the overall excitement around the kickoff to the new season.

The details

Mahomes suffered the ACL injury last December and underwent immediate surgery. While he is ahead of schedule in his rehab, the average recovery timeline for such an injury is mid-September, which would put his availability for Week 1 in doubt. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he would 'never bet against' Mahomes, but the team and the NFL may not want to risk it.

  • Mahomes suffered the season-ending ACL injury in December 2025.
  • Mahomes underwent surgery immediately after the injury.
  • The average recovery timeline for an ACL injury is mid-September.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs who is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury.

Clark Hunt

The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Justin Fields

The backup quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sam Darnold

The starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think that's on the table anymore. I think from a league standpoint, there would be some concern whether [Patrick Mahomes] would be ready to go.”

— Clark Hunt, Owner, Kansas City Chiefs

“Every player is different. I would tell you though, I would never bet against him. He's always going to put in the time, effort, and always push it. ... So far it's all been positive.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The NFL is expected to release the full 2026 schedule in May, at which point the Chiefs' and Seahawks' Week 1 opponents will be officially announced.

The takeaway

This decision by the NFL to likely avoid a Chiefs-Seahawks matchup in Week 1 highlights the league's desire to showcase marquee games and star players, while also being cautious about player health and potential mismatches due to injury recoveries.