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Mahomes Joins Chiefs OTAs, Targets 2026 Season Return

5/3/2026

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Summary

Mahomes Joins OTAs

Andy Reid announced Patrick Mahomes will attend the Chiefs’ OTAs May 26-28.
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec 14, 2023, had surgery Dec 15, and spends up to seven hours daily with trainer Julie Frymyer.
He posted a late-March Instagram video of a five-step dropback, and Reid confirmed he can join non-contact Phase 2 work.
The Chiefs added Justin Fields and drafted Garrett Nussmeier as backups, targeting Mahomes’ return by Week 1, 2026.

Summary

Mahomes OTAs Begin

Voluntary OTAs begin on May 26, launching the Chiefs' offseason program.
The Chiefs' rookie minicamp runs throughout the weekend preceding the voluntary OTAs.
Phase 2 of the National Football League (NFL) offseason program prohibits live contact and offense-versus-defense drills, allowing quarterback Patrick Mahomes limited involvement.
NFL rules for the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list could block Mahomes from OTAs and would start a roster-eligibility clock if he is placed on it.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, the NFL and Players Association ratified a collective bargaining agreement that created the modern voluntary offseason workout program for teams. The Kansas City Chiefs, coached by Andy Reid, allocated $12 million in 2023 to staff; trainer Julie Frymyer logged seven hours with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. the 2002 provisions, the NFL lets Patrick Mahomes attend Phase 2 OTAs while the Chiefs list Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier as backups. If Mahomes returns by Week 1 2026, the Chiefs could sustain their championship window, prompting other franchises to emulate the 2002 offseason framework model.

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Mahomes Joins OTAs

Andy Reid announced Patrick Mahomes will attend the Chiefs’ OTAs May 26-28.
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec 14, 2023, had surgery Dec 15, and spends up to seven hours daily with trainer Julie Frymyer.
He posted a late-March Instagram video of a five-step dropback, and Reid confirmed he can join non-contact Phase 2 work.
The Chiefs added Justin Fields and drafted Garrett Nussmeier as backups, targeting Mahomes’ return by Week 1, 2026.

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