Andy Reid’s latest injury update offers hope for the superstar passer’s return.
As his recovery continues following a late-season knee injury and subsequent surgery, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes may be ready to return to the field with his teammates during organized team activities (OTAs).
The comments from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid have been interpreted differently.
For some, the takeaway was that the team was uncertain of Mahomes’ chances of being ready for the team’s OTAs. For others, the news was more hopeful.
Here is a look at the optimistic side of the Mahomes timeline from Chiefs Roundtable writer Bob McCullough.
In any case, the most important piece of this story to track is what McCullough highlighted from Josh Alper’s details via Pro Football Talk. The focus should go beyond OTA availability, and instead to training camp.
Alper also mentioned a Mahomes landmark that’s worth tracking. If the quarterback can stay off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp, it would be a good indicator that he may actually be in the lineup in Week 1.
Should the six -time Pro Bowl passer be available to start training camp, the outlook begins to look much brighter for he and the Chiefs.
Kansas City did invest back into its quarterback room this offseason, signing former New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener and selecting LSU signal caller Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Neither, however, project to bring immediate starter value in place of Mahomes should he be unavailable to begin the year at the helm of Reid’s offense.
The three-time Super Bowl champion completed 62.7% of his passes in 2025, compiling 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.
He appeared in 14 games in 2025 before his season-ending injury. The Chiefs finished 6-11 on the year, achieving no wins without Mahomes.
The Chiefs’ rough season ended their 10-year playoff streak.