When Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an ACL injury last December, it appeared he would be sidelined early next season. While a swift recovery from such an injury isn’t common, Mahomes has put himself in a good position.
As the start of the 2026 NFL regular season approaches, Mahomes expressed that he feels “great” and remains optimistic about starting in Week 1. Initially, he had been informed that his recovery would take approximately nine months. After undergoing surgery on December 16, the nine-month mark lands on September 16. Notably, the Chiefs are set to face the Denver Broncos in Week 1 on September 14, just two days before this deadline.
Though this timeline is ambitious, Mahomes stated it has always been his goal. “This has always been the plan. From the day I had the surgery, I aimed to be ready for the first game of the year,” he said, indicating a strong commitment to his recovery.
While it’s encouraging that he has participated in team practices, Mahomes still needs official clearance to play in games. If he doesn’t receive this by Friday, it would mark the first time in his career that he misses the entire NFL preseason.
However, should Mahomes not be ready for Week 1, the Chiefs may have Justin Fields stepping in, which would be a significant setback for Kansas City as they begin the 2026 season. On the bright side, Mahomes has consistently met reassuring recovery milestones, suggesting he might return to action fairly soon.
If Mahomes can regain his previous form, the Chiefs will have a strong chance of making a comeback in the league.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for football enthusiasts as Mahomes is not only a star player but also a significant draw for the sport. His successful recovery could lead to an exciting and competitive season, further enhancing the NFL’s popularity and engagement with fans.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
