Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed Friday that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been cleared to fully participate in training camp ahead of the 2026 NFL season. While the three-time Super Bowl MVP will continue to be monitored by the team’s medical staff and doctors, Reid said Mahomes has been cleared to take part in every phase of practice as Kansas City officially begins preparations for a new campaign.
The update marks a significant milestone in Mahomes’ recovery after he suffered a torn ACL and LCL during the Chiefs’ Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last December. The injury required season-ending surgery and forced Mahomes to spend the entire offseason focused on rehabilitation with the goal of returning for Week 1.
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Now healthy enough to return, Mahomes says one aspect of his game will change in 2026.
“I think I ran a little bit too much last season… If all else fails, I’ll just hand it off to K9 and let him go to work” (h/t Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports).
The comments signal a more measured approach from the Chiefs quarterback after carrying a heavier rushing workload before his injury. Mahomes frequently relied on his legs as Kansas City’s offense battled injuries along the offensive line and inconsistency in the running game. His ability to extend plays has always been one of his greatest strengths, but it also exposed him to additional hits, culminating in the knee injury that ended his 2025 season.
Kansas City spent the offseason improving that area of the roster. The Chiefs added Kenneth Walker III (“K9”) to headline the backfield, giving Reid another explosive rushing option to take pressure off his franchise quarterback. The expectation is that a more balanced attack will allow Mahomes to stay in the pocket more often and reduce the number of designed scrambles and off-script runs throughout the season.
Mahomes is now expected to lead the Chiefs into their Week 1 opener against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The AFC West showdown is scheduled for Monday Night Football, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC, as Kansas City looks to begin a new era with its franchise quarterback back under center.
