The NFL world continues to await Patrick Mahomes’ return to the field as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2026 regular season. The three-time Super Bowl MVP is working his way back from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered in his left knee during Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last December.
Mahomes underwent surgery shortly after the injury and spent the offseason rehabbing before receiving clearance to participate in training camp. While the quarterback has continued to look increasingly comfortable during practices, the Chiefs have taken a cautious approach to his return. The team has kept Mahomes on the sideline through Kansas City’s first two preseason games against the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
During Saturday’s live broadcast, Mahomes told former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green that he actually wanted to play in the game, but the Chiefs would not allow him to take the field.
Reid, however, continues to prioritize Mahomes’ long-term recovery over getting him preseason snaps.
“He’s doing great… literally taking it day-by-day. If trainers, doctors, and everybody give him the OK… and he feels OK…” Reid told reporters on Monday (via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports).
Mahomes has also expressed a desire to see some action against the Seattle Seahawks in Kansas City’s final preseason game Friday.
“’ll be trying to play next week, but at the end of the day it’s up to Coach Reid,” Mahomes said. “I’m going to be ready to go for that 1st game of the year, God willing.”
Reid has yet to announce whether the quarterback will play, leaving the Chiefs’ approach for that matchup unclear.
At the moment, all signs point toward Kansas City remaining focused on having Mahomes fully prepared for Week 1 rather than rushing him into preseason action.
That regular-season return would come against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on Sept. 14. The Chiefs will need their franchise quarterback ready for what should be an important opening matchup, particularly after finishing 6-11 last season and missing the playoffs.
ALSO SEE: Poll: Is Electrical Substation Causing the 49ers’ Injuries?
