Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for a pivotal year after missing the playoffs last season. With Kansas City looking to get back into the Super Bowl conversation, the team will need its core players healthy from the start.
Health will be especially important for Patrick Mahomes. The quarterback is returning from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered last December, but his recovery has progressed well enough for the Chiefs to remain optimistic about his availability for the season opener against the Denver Broncos.
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However, Mahomes is not the only injury concern in Kansas City. The Chiefs are dealing with several players managing injuries ahead of Week 1, and another concerning development surfaced Thursday.
According to Kansas City Star reporter Pete Sweeney, rookie defensive end Mason Thomas missed practice Thursday with a hamstring injury.
Thomas is an important piece of Kansas City’s plans for the 2026 season. The Chiefs selected the Oklahoma product with the No. 40 overall pick in the second round, and he has impressed throughout the offseason with his explosive first step and pass-rushing ability.
The Chiefs are counting on Thomas to provide a boost to their pass rush as a rotational defensive end, particularly in passing situations. He flashed that potential in the preseason finale, recording a strip sack of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Kansas City will now hope Thomas’ hamstring issue is minor enough to keep him from missing significant time. The Chiefs open the regular season Sept. 14 against the Denver Broncos at 8:15 p.m. ET on “Monday Night Football,” giving Thomas less than two weeks to recover.
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