Patrick Mahomes’ Recovery Path and the Chiefs’ Cautious Return Plan

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is approaching a full medical clearance after tearing his ACL and LCL in December 2025. NFL insiders report that the Chiefs expect to clear him “this week,” with the quarterback slated to report to the St. Joseph, Mo., camp on Friday. Mahomes has already taken part in 7-on-7 drills during May OTAs but has been held out of full-team 11-on-11 sessions. The organization’s goal is to have him ready for the season-opening Monday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14, though officials caution that “it’s far too early for one to guess what Mahomes will be by the time Sept. 14 arrives.”

Massive update emerges on Patrick Mahomes' recovery

Head coach Andy Reid is planning a measured integration of Mahomes into live-defender scenarios. The Chiefs will have quarterbacks and rookies report three days earlier than the rest of the roster, a shift intended to give Mahomes extra reps while the camp’s notoriously tough regimen provides “ample opportunity to find quality reps.” Medical staff and coaches aim to balance “quality reps” with protecting the surgically repaired knee, acknowledging that Mahomes must “reacclimate to having defenders around his feet and rushers in his face.”

Massive update emerges on Patrick Mahomes' recovery

To hedge against any delay, Kansas City acquired former first-round pick Justin Fields from the New York Jets in March, positioning him as the primary backup. Coach Reid indicated the team would be comfortable turning to Fields if Mahomes is not ready by Week 1. The depth chart also features rookie Garrett Nussmeier, a seventh-round pick viewed as a developmental project, who will compete with practice-squad veteran Chris Oladokun for a roster spot.

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• “There’s an expectation among Chiefs people that Mahomes will be fully cleared this week, and also the knowledge that when they tell him he can go, he will really go,” — Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

Massive update emerges on Patrick Mahomes' recovery

• “So the plan is to be smart with it, and make sure everyone is doing what’s going to put him in the best position to be at his best from September through February, not just ready for Week 1.” — Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

Massive update emerges on Patrick Mahomes' recovery

• “Mahomes will have to reacclimate to having defenders around his feet and rushers in his face, as he gets used to playing on the surgically repaired knee,” — Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

Massive update emerges on Patrick Mahomes' recovery

• “Andy Reid generally runs one of the NFL’s toughest training camps, which should give Mahomes ample opportunity to find quality reps.” — Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

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