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After suffering a significant knee injury in December, Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ status for the start of the 2026 regular season was up in the air.
But if the latest injury update is any indication, Mahomes, who is working his way back from a torn ACL and LCL, should be ready to roll by Week 1, barring any setbacks.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Mahomes is expected to be “fully cleared” this week, which is a little over seven months after his injury. The typical recovery time for the injury Mahomes suffered is about nine months, so he’s well ahead of schedule.
“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,” Breer said.
MORE: Chiefs 3 biggest questions entering training camp
“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,” he added.
Mahomes is expected to report to training camp on July 24, when rookies and quarterbacks are scheduled to arrive. Kansas City’s first public practice is on July 29 and all eyes will no doubt be on the three-time Super Bowl MVP.
From there, 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,” Breer said.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The concern for the Chiefs is that players aren’t always themselves in the first year back from such a significant knee injury, but if anyone can get back to normal sooner rather than later, it’s Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs are coming off a season in which they didn’t make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Surprisingly, Kansas City’s offense was its biggest weakness.
Kansas City sported a middle-of-the-road passing attack and its rushing attack ranked in the bottom 10 in the NFL. Ultimately, the Chiefs averaged the 12th-fewest points per game.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith backs Josh Allen as No. 1 QB over Patrick Mahomes
Lackluster offensive line play no doubt played a roll in that, as did a lack of reliable weapons in the passing game. Kansas City also sported two uninspiring options in the backfield.
Fast forward to 2026 and the Chiefs have made a significant upgrade to the backfield with the signing of Super Bowl MVP and running back, Kenneth Walker.
However, concerns remain at both tackle spots and at wide receiver, two positions the Chiefs failed to upgrade during the offseason.
There stands a very real chance that it could be tough sledding for Mahomes and Co. once again in 2026, and that’s especially true with Kansas City having to navigate one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
Continue reading...
But if the latest injury update is any indication, Mahomes, who is working his way back from a torn ACL and LCL, should be ready to roll by Week 1, barring any setbacks.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Mahomes is expected to be “fully cleared” this week, which is a little over seven months after his injury. The typical recovery time for the injury Mahomes suffered is about nine months, so he’s well ahead of schedule.
“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,” Breer said.
MORE: Chiefs 3 biggest questions entering training camp
“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,” he added.
Mahomes is expected to report to training camp on July 24, when rookies and quarterbacks are scheduled to arrive. Kansas City’s first public practice is on July 29 and all eyes will no doubt be on the three-time Super Bowl MVP.
From there, 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,” Breer said.
Patrick Mahomes’ 2026 outlook
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The concern for the Chiefs is that players aren’t always themselves in the first year back from such a significant knee injury, but if anyone can get back to normal sooner rather than later, it’s Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs are coming off a season in which they didn’t make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Surprisingly, Kansas City’s offense was its biggest weakness.
Kansas City sported a middle-of-the-road passing attack and its rushing attack ranked in the bottom 10 in the NFL. Ultimately, the Chiefs averaged the 12th-fewest points per game.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith backs Josh Allen as No. 1 QB over Patrick Mahomes
Lackluster offensive line play no doubt played a roll in that, as did a lack of reliable weapons in the passing game. Kansas City also sported two uninspiring options in the backfield.
Fast forward to 2026 and the Chiefs have made a significant upgrade to the backfield with the signing of Super Bowl MVP and running back, Kenneth Walker.
However, concerns remain at both tackle spots and at wide receiver, two positions the Chiefs failed to upgrade during the offseason.
There stands a very real chance that it could be tough sledding for Mahomes and Co. once again in 2026, and that’s especially true with Kansas City having to navigate one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
Continue reading...
