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Patrick Mahomes is not easing back in. The Chiefs quarterback says he'll play without any limitations Monday night against Denver, returning from torn knee ligaments. That's a massive statement heading into the opener, and Kansas City's offense could look like it never missed a beat.
Meanwhile, the NFL is planting its flag in Melbourne, Australia, and the forty-niners are right at the center of it. Here's the twist though — league officials say San Francisco wasn't even on their radar when they first mapped out the matchup. The Niners ended up in Melbourne through a process that had nothing to do with their popularity Down Under, which is considerable. They're the most followed NFL team in Australia, with fans going back to the Montana and Rice era, so the reception figures to be electric regardless of how the deal came together.
And in Atlanta, a potential crisis is brewing before the Falcons even kick off. Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with what looks like an injury ahead of Week One, and with Michael Penix already listed as inactive against Pittsburgh, Atlanta's quarterback situation is suddenly very thin. The Steelers defense will be licking its chops.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
