Full Breakdown
Mahomes cleared for full participation as Chiefs training camp begins
7/25/2026, 11:57:17 PM
Core Event
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been cleared to take part in all practice periods of the 2026 training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri. The clearance follows a seven-month rehabilitation after Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee on December 14, 2025 during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The surgery was performed the next day by Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ head team physician.
Background & Context
Mahomes’ injury ended a 2025 season in which he completed 62.7 % of his passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 14 starts. The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, finishing 6-11. In the offseason Mahomes signed a contract extension through 2033 and the team added running back Kenneth Walker III. The rehab plan emphasized an aggressive timeline, aiming for readiness by the season opener.
Data & Statistics
- Injury date: December 14, 2025
- Time to clearance: just over seven months
- 2025 passing stats: 3,587 yards, 22 TDs, 11 INTs, 62.7 % completion
- Season-opening game: Monday Night Football vs. Denver Broncos on September 14, 2026 (scheduled)
- Preseason schedule: games later this summer (scheduled)
Official Statements & Responses
Mahomes said he feels “amazing” and is focused on strength work and quarterback fundamentals. Dr. Dan Cooper confirmed the medical clearance on Wednesday, noting that Mahomes met all functional benchmarks required for full-team drills. Both Reid and Mahomes stressed that no predictions have been made about Mahomes’ availability for the September 14 opener or for the preseason games.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel stronger than I've ever felt, as far as strength and lifting [weights],” — Patrick Mahomes, quarterback
- “Pat’s doing great with his [rehab],” — Andy Reid, Chiefs head coach
- “I’m optimistic, and I know he is extremely optimistic,” — Andy Reid, Chiefs head coach
- “But I think you’ve got to see how things go here. Let’s just see where we’re at and not make any predictions or anything else. Take it day by day and see where it goes.” — Andy Reid, Chiefs head coach
- “There isn’t really a plan for it,” — Andy Reid, Chiefs head coach
On-the-Ground Reports
The first day of camp saw Mahomes wearing a compression sleeve and a knee brace, a device he used in college after a previous knee injury. He participated in 11-on-11 repetitions alongside Travis Kelce, Kenneth Walker III, and receivers Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Team officials have not confirmed whether Mahomes will appear in any preseason games. Some analysts suggest he may be held out to preserve his knee, but no official decision has been announced. The only concrete information is the medical clearance for full practice; the timeline for a possible preseason appearance remains uncertain.
What’s Next
- Preseason games later this summer (scheduled)
- September 14: Week 1 regular-season matchup vs. Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football (scheduled)
Mahomes’ progress through training camp will be closely monitored by coaches, trainers, and doctors, with the ultimate goal of having the franchise quarterback available for the season opener.
