NFL may have accidentally tipped Chiefs' hand with Patrick Mahomes' injury

For the first time in his career, Patrick Mahomes wasn't on the field late in the regular season.

More importantly, the Kansas City Chiefs star also suffered the first major ailment of his career. Even though he suffered an ACL and LCL tear in December, Mahomes has aggressively attacked his recovery, and he's doing everything in his power to be back on the field for Week 1.

Now, judging by the NFL's schedule release, it looks like he's definitely going to be out there. As Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer pointed out, the league wouldn't have scheduled a divisional showdown with the Denver Broncos for the season opener otherwise. 

Patrick Mahomes may be ready to suit up in Week 1 

"While we’re on the schedule, the Chiefs opening on Monday night is really interesting, as it’s a bet, by ESPN and the NFL, that Patrick Mahomes will be ready to go," Breer argued. "And I think he will be—which would make the matchup against the Broncos, already figuring to be important, even more fascinating."

The Chiefs have operated all offseason as if Mahomes is going to be available for the opener. Nevertheless, they've been understandably cautious with his recovery, and they haven't committed to a firm timeline for his potential return.

Mahomes has made it loud and clear that he doesn't want to miss any time, but these injuries are delicate and may linger. He's clearly ahead of schedule in his recovery, and given how quickly he went under the knife to address the issue, there's technically a chance that he will be ready to go.

Then again, the Chiefs will also have to err on the side of caution with their franchise legend. The league might be putting some pressure on them with this tough break so early in the season, but they need to think about the big picture instead of rushing him back to the field.