Mahomes Takes First Camp Reps Since December Injury

Patrick Mahomes stepped onto the practice field at Missouri Western State University on Saturday, marking his first official training camp session since a left knee injury ended his 2025 season. The Kansas City Chiefs shared video of the two-time MVP walking with fellow quarterbacks, a moment that signaled the final stage of his recovery.

Mahomes received full medical clearance earlier in the week from Chiefs staff and Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys team physician who performed surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL. "I feel stronger than I've ever felt," Mahomes told reporters Friday, adding he had been "seeing cinderblock walls" during months of daily rehab in Kansas City.

Head coach Andy Reid said he does not plan to limit Mahomes' workload during camp. For the first time since the injury, the quarterback will work with running back Kenneth Walker III, tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receivers Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton in 11-on-11 drills. Mahomes will continue wearing a compression sleeve and brace on his left leg.

Mahomes has targeted the season opener—a Monday night home game against the Denver Broncos on September 14—as his return to game action. He said camp practices will be crucial for improving pocket movement and decision-making. A decision on whether he plays in the preseason will come later; Mahomes said he understands that preparing for the regular season is the priority.

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Mahomes’ return removes the biggest uncertainty surrounding Kansas City’s 2026 campaign. The team’s offensive ceiling depends heavily on his mobility and ability to extend plays. While the medical clearance is encouraging, the true test will be how he handles live pressure in 11-on-11 periods and whether he can trust the surgically repaired knee to make quick cuts. Reid’s decision to avoid camp restrictions suggests the coaching staff is confident in the strength of the joint, but the brace will remain a fixture—a reminder that full athletic confidence takes time.

The surrounding cast adds to the optimism. The additions of Walker, a young running back, and the development of receivers Rice and Worthy give Mahomes a more balanced offense than he had at times last season. If the pocket movement and decision-making indeed improve as he hopes, Kansas City can again be a factor in a competitive AFC. One area worth monitoring: the balance between pushing for preseason reps to test the knee and preserving him for Week 1. The franchise’s long-term interest will almost certainly win out.