Kansas City Chiefs fans received a major boost as head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Patrick Mahomes is on track to participate in the team’s first Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this month, just over four months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee.
Mahomes, who sustained the injury in December 2025 during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, had his season cut short. However, Reid’s recent update offers hope that the three-time Super Bowl champion could make a sensational return to the field for the 2026 NFL season opener in September.
A Remarkable Recovery Timeline
Despite the severity of the injury, which sidelined him from the Chiefs’ playoff push, Mahomes has been hard at work recovering. According to Reid, Mahomes is in a “good position” and has been “doing a lot of stuff,” including throwing passes on his own. The Chiefs’ minicamp, scheduled for May 26-28, will be a crucial moment in Mahomes’ rehab, though there will be no contact or offense-versus-defense drills during the voluntary sessions.
“It’s Phase 3 that you get into that… he’s in a position where he can do everything, I think,” Reid added, indicating that Mahomes is steadily progressing through the rehab process.
Working With Trainer Julie Frymyer
Mahomes has spent the majority of his recovery at the Chiefs’ practice facility, working closely with athletic trainer Julie Frymyer, who has previously helped the quarterback recover from other injuries throughout his NFL career. Mahomes also shared his recovery progress on social media in March, posting a video of himself throwing a pass, showing fans that he’s not far from returning to full action.
While Mahomes initially set a goal to return by Week 1 with no restrictions, the team’s cautious approach in the offseason suggests that, if all continues to go well, Mahomes could very well meet that ambitious target.
Depth Added to Quarterback Position
Amid uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ injury status, the Chiefs took precautions by bolstering their quarterback depth. The team traded for former New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, and later drafted LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fields, who previously started for the Jets before being benched, adds experience and depth to the position, while Nussmeier offers a promising upside despite some injury concerns during his final college season.
These moves were part of the Chiefs’ strategy to ensure they have strong options at quarterback should Mahomes need additional time to recover or face any setbacks. However, all signs now point to Mahomes being ready to start the season, continuing his role as the team’s leader on the field.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Season
With the offseason training activities kicking off later this month, fans are eagerly awaiting Mahomes’ participation and are optimistic about his swift recovery. If Mahomes can indeed return to form for Week 1, the Chiefs will be back in business as contenders in the AFC. Given Mahomes’ unparalleled drive and the medical support he’s receiving, the 2026 season promises to be another exciting chapter in his already legendary career.
