Mahomes shocks the NFL with rapid comeback as Chiefs gear up for 2026 season

Patrick Mahomes’ 2025 season ended in disaster for the Kansas City Chiefs. Not only did the team miss the playoffs, but their superstar quarterback suffered a major knee injury just weeks before the regular season wrapped. Now, heading into 2026, the outlook in Kansas City finally feels bright again.

Mahomes is officially back on the practice field ahead of the season opener, and according to head coach Andy Reid, the early signs are overwhelmingly positive.

Reid sees strength and mobility returning

Reid didn’t hide his optimism during Wednesday’s media availability: “He looked pretty good today, I thought. Y’know strong — you can see the strength in his legs, which is important with a leg injury. You look at that first- see how his feet are moving. His feet are moving well. I thought it was very positive. I thought he looked well.”

For a player coming off a devastating injury, that’s about as encouraging as it gets.

A recovery few expected

On December 14, 2025, Mahomes tore both his ACL and LCL in his left knee during a 16–13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. Normally, that combination of injuries would cast serious doubt on a quarterback’s availability for Week 1.

But Mahomes isn’t a normal athlete.

He stunned the organization — and the league — with how quickly he progressed, putting himself in position to return right as training camp opened.

Last week, Mahomes explained his mindset: “The goal was always to be able to practice when camp started. We’ve taken that next step. Now it’s about continuing to progress so that when the regular season arrives, I’m available and ready to play.”

Reid stays cautious, Mahomes stays optimistic

Reid isn’t ready to make promises yet, but he acknowledged Mahomes’ confidence: “He’s extremely optimistic. But we need to see how things develop. Let’s just see where we’re at without making predictions. We’ll go day by day.”

It’s classic Reid — steady, measured, and focused on the long game.

Chiefs’ season opener set for September 14

Kansas City kicks off the 2026 NFL regular season on September 14 with a divisional showdown against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. If Mahomes continues trending upward, Chiefs fans may get their franchise quarterback back right on time.

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