Patrick Mahomes’ injury sent shockwaves through the NFL when the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback suffered torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee during a December game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes was hurt as he was tackled down while escaping defenders and suffered a massive hyper extended knee that necessitated surgery. Questions are now being raised about whether he will even be able to be ready for the 2026 season. However, just months later, Mahomes has made impressive progress in his recovery and appears to be trending toward a return in time for training camp.
Reid Provides Encouraging Update on Mahomes’ Injury
Kansas City head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Mahomes’ injury and specifically his rehabilitation when he spoke with KSHB 41 Sports Director Mick Shaffer.
“He’s handled it very well,” Reid said. “I think the surgery went well. It looks like Dr. Cooper tightened that baby up, and it’s in pretty good condition for him to work.”
Mahomes’ words are important, as they show that the recovering quarterback is on track back from what was a significant setback to one of the most pivotal players in the league. Torn ACL and LCL injuries can also cast doubt on future athleticism and production, as mobility is such an extension of the game for the Chiefs quarterback. Though Reid did not outright label Mahomes “fully cleared,” his statement suggests a rehab that has been going as well for Mahomes’ injury, which can only be positive for a Super Bowl-contending Chiefs team.
Mahomes’ Injury is Still Not Fully Healed
Reid further commented on Mahomes’ recovery but still cast a small amount of doubt heading into training camp.
“He’s had a pretty consistent climb up, but you don’t know what the next 40-some odd days before camp — where that plateau might take place,” Reid said.
Reid’s statement is a succinct note about the ongoing nature of the recovery. Very rarely does a significant knee injury resolve cleanly in a linear fashion, and the coming weeks of OTAs and eventually training camp could easily decide whether Mahomes is completely healed or will have some restrictions come 2026. By acknowledging the possibility of a plateau, Reid appears to be managing expectations while also emphasizing that recovery is measured over months, not days. However, it is still very encouraging that Mahomes has progressed as far as he has heading into the 2026 season.
What If Mahomes Is Not Ready?
This also illustrates why the Chiefs cannot look too far ahead here. If Mahomes is not ready to go when training camp opens or if he runs into even the slightest bit of trouble, it would not be entirely out of the question for Justin Fields to get yet another shot to prove he is starter material.
Also, former 2026 7th-round draft pick Garrett Nussmeier could be asked to do more than he was expecting at this stage of the game. It would certainly be best for Kansas City if Mahomes recovered from his injury without complications, but the final details could determine what roles other backups might have at the position.
What Mahomes’ Injury Means Moving Forward
Mahomes’ injury remains the biggest storyline surrounding the Chiefs as training camp approaches. Although all signs continue to point toward a successful recovery, Reid’s comments serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done before Kansas City can confidently put the injury behind it. The good news for the Chiefs is that Mahomes has consistently progressed in the right direction throughout his rehabilitation.
If that trend continues over the coming weeks, Kansas City could enter the 2026 season with its franchise quarterback healthy and ready to lead another Super Bowl pursuit.
