Here's How Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Is Progressing Ahead Of Training Camp

The Kansas City Chiefs weren’t sure how star quarterback Patrick Mahomes would progress following his left knee surgery to repair his torn ACL and LCL, an injury he suffered in Week 15 (Dec. 14) against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With the Chiefs’ slim playoff hopes on the line in that game, Mahomes attempted to will his team to victory and tried rushing for a first down to keep a late drive going, but the next thing Chiefs fans saw was its franchise cornerstone writhing in pain on the field grabbing his knee.

The typical recovery period for Mahomes’ injury is anywhere between six and 12 months, but he was determined to rehab hard enough to be ready for OTAs and minicamp. Well, Mahomes participated in OTAs and is tracking to participate in minicamp next week.

Many believed that Mahomes wouldn’t be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season just because of when he had his surgery, but the two-time Most Valuable Player rehabbed like a mad man to be able to get some work done in OTAs and it seems like he’s going to be ready for training camp in July.

ESPN’s Nate Taylor gave an update of how the star QB is progressing ahead of training camp, and the news is good.

“Much of this offseason for the Chiefs is about Mahomes' recovery from his left knee surgery and his involvement on the practice fields,” Taylor wrote Monday. “In minicamp, Mahomes might see an increased workload with the hope he shows improvement with his footwork and mobility.

“Following next week's work, the Chiefs will have a break of at least 40 days before training camp. If Mahomes' knee continues to strengthen, he could be ready to join his teammates for the 11-on-11 team periods when camp starts in St. Joseph, Missouri.”

If Mahomes gets through the 11-on-11s safely and looks mobile, all signs point to the three-time Super Bowl MVP being ready in time for Week 1 of the 2026 season when the Chiefs battle the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football in an exciting American Football Conference West division matchup.

I think Mahomes will play Week 1 strictly based on the fact that his doctors had to tell him to chill out in regards to how hard he is rehabbing. It’s hard to say that he won’t be ready when he’s that motivated to be back on the field.

Of course, setbacks could happen and even Mahomes noted that he doesn’t know what will happen between now and Week 1, but if he continues to progress at this pace I’d imagine he will be starting against the Broncos.