Mahomes spoke on having Bieniemy back and said, “It’s just a standard that you have to practice with, and you have to play with, and he’s gonna hold you to that standard no matter who you are… he has brought in a lot of concepts and a lot of things that I’ve really liked that we’ve added in now.”

Mahomes also addressed the next step in his recovery, but the fact is he sounds like he is ready to go. Bieniemy could become one of the most underrated moves in the offseason if he can turn this offense around.

Bieniemy has a keen eye for detail

Mahomes stated the fact that Bieniemy came back with new concepts. Bieniemy is relentless and loves to try new things. In fact, he likes to go and spend time with all the units on offense. Mahomes loves that about the OC.

Bieniemy has a catch phrase, even Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson quoted him in February, saying “the standard is the standard.” Newly-arrived Kenneth Walker III also spoke on Bieniemy saying, “He’s got high standards, and that’s good if you wanna be better.”

Mahomes was better when Bieniemy was on the roster

Mahomes is an all-time great quarterback. However, he’s hit a bit of a slump in recent years. When Bieniemy was on the Chiefs during Mahomes early years, he thrived in ways the NFL hasn’t seen before.

Under Bieniemy, Mahomes won two MVPs, led the NFL in touchdowns twice, had two 5,000-yard seasons and led the league in QBR twice. Then, under Matt Nagy, he only got to the 4,000-yard mark once. He never had a full season under 4,000 with Bieniemy.

Last season, everyone expected Jalen Royals to be the natural replacement for Rashee Rice during Rice’s suspension. Knee tendinitis put a stop to that, but right now, he is taking advantage of the fact that Rashee Rice is not at OTAs.

“Yeah, so they’re rotating in with the first group,” Reid said. “And Rashee Rice is not here. It gives Jalen Royals some great reps with the wide receiver position. Strong, he looks strong out there and running well, and that whole deal. So, it’s great for him. It’s great for him and for the quarterbacks to see what he’s all about on repeated reps.”

When will the Chiefs return to their OTAs

The Kansas City Chiefs officially concluded their first of two weeks of OTAs on Thursday, May 28. The team will reconvene on Monday, June 1, for their second week of OTAs before a five-day break between OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

A golden opportunity for Royals

A fourth-round pick out of Utah State in 2025, Jalen Royals caught two passes on three targets for four yards during his NFL rookie season. This year, it seems like he will have an opportunity to secure a larger role in the offense.

He needs to stay healthy regarding his knee, but it feels especially true if he continues to take advantage of these early offseason practice days and builds on them going forward.

Andy Reid on Patrick Mahomes’ recovery

Patrick Mahomes is participating in practice, but only in a limited capacity. Coach Andy Reid does not like to use the “ahead of schedule” phrasing; however, it is clear that Patrick Mahomes is making tremendous progress as he returns from a season-ending knee injury. “I like what I’ve seen,” Reid said of Mahomes.

“He’s working hard. This is good for him, I mean, getting out there and throwing it’s good rehab, as he continues rehab, so he keeps a feel with the receivers, where he’s doing partial practice, and, but it’s important, it’s important to keep his timing up, and he’s busted his tail to put himself in this position, most guys wouldn’t even be able to do this, but he’s put himself in that position, and I know we’ve got good communication with the doctors, and they’re, you know, they keep a close eye on it, and what’s real and what’s not real, so and then we just, we listen to them.”

Patrick Mahomes participated in 7-7 team drills, but he is not cleared to participate in 11-11 yet. That is not so much about his ability to run or cut as it is to protect him from incidental contact, and Reid said it is to avoid plays with any fly or sweep motion that could lead to a collision in the backfield.

Per Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports, Mahomes said, “Next step will be getting with team and getting under center. It’s a process, you’ve got to stay apart of it… You have to stay great everyday, if you do that… you get the opportunity to get out there on the field.”

Hence, Mahomes’ mission right now is to be able to fully practice with the rest of the Chiefs roster. Mahomes has been working separately but is on pace to recover way before the original timeline of late September to early October. In fact, there is confidence that he will be able to play in Week 1 for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have a primetime game in Week 1

The NFL seems to believe that Mahomes is actually ahead of schedule and that’s why the Chiefs have a primetime game in Week 1 against divisional rivals Broncos. The Broncos swept the Chiefs last season, so Kansas City is ready to take revenge.

Mahomes didn’t play in the second game against the Broncos. Hence, it was not shocking to see the Broncos won 38-0. Kansas City had Carson Wentz under center that time. The Chiefs hope to have Mahomes in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season and not have to use a backup.

The Chiefs offense need more than just Mahomes

Yes, Mahomes is the one guy that can change the season for good or worse depending on his availability. However, even if he is able to play from Week 1, the fact is that Mahomes needs help from his weapons.

Rashee Rice is in jail right now. Xavier Worthy hasn’t been what he was supposed to be. Travis Kelce is in what can be the last year of his NFL career. There is no real depth to the team’s skill positions right now. Mahomes needs help now more than ever.

The head coach shared his thoughts during a recent Chiefs press conference, and the promising declaration was shared on X by Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. “I like what I’ve seen. He’s working hard. This is good for him. You get him out there throwing; it’s rehab… He’s doing partial practice,” Reid announced.

Reid further elaborated on the collective effort required to get Mahomes back to peak performance without rushing the process. “It’s important. He’s busted his tail to put himself in this position… We’ve got good communication with the doctors. They keep a close eye on him, and we listen to them,“ he stated.

Can the Chiefs survive until Mahomes returns?

The Chiefs absolutely need Mahomes healthy and under center if they want to remain a true championship threat in a highly competitive AFC field. If he can successfully return for the opening weeks of the 2026 season, Kansas City can avoid falling behind in the divisional standings early on.

With former backup Gardner Minshew departing in free agency, the front office had to pivot by trading for Justin Fields. While Fields and backup Chris Oladokun offer unique athletic traits, they simply do not possess the elite throwing power or championship pedigree that Mahomes brings.

Reid is widely regarded as an offensive genius, but winning a Lombardi Trophy without a generational talent like Mahomes remains an incredibly steep hill to climb. Ultimately, the Chiefs’ hopes of a championship run hinge entirely on their franchise quarterback making a full recovery.

Earlier this month, Rice was taken into custody after a drug test revealed he had tested positive for THC, violating the terms of the five-year probation agreement stemming from his high-speed, multi-vehicle crash in Dallas in 2024. His 30-day jail stint means he will completely miss the Chiefs’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp.

Following the news, Andy Reid addressed the media on Thursday, confirming that he intends to have a serious conversation with Rice regarding his off-field behavior to prevent any further lapses in judgment.

“When he gets back, we’ve got to get him caught up… and make sure he gets it… Life lessons are important. We’re all given chances to learn,” Andy Reid said, per Charles Goldman.

Chiefs’ long-term commitment to Rice questions surface

Rice joined the Chiefs as a second-round pick in 2023 and put together a stellar rookie campaign, recording 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. However, his ongoing off-field issues have created an unexpected barrier between the club and the player.

According to reports, Kansas City has put any potential contract extension talks on ice due to his compounding legal instability. While Rice has proven to be an elite asset in Patrick Mahomes‘ offense when on the field, his lack of availability conflicts with the disciplined, competitive culture Reid is trying to maintain.

With Rice’s long-term future in question, offseason rumors continue to link the Chiefs to external veteran wideouts. Star names like Stefon Diggs or A.J. Brown have surfaced in league circles, suggesting that if the front office does not see significant personal growth from Rice, they may be forced to look for a permanent replacement sooner rather than later.

An overview of the Chiefs’ 2026 wide receiver room

Despite the headaches his legal troubles cause, the reality remains that Andy Reid drastically needs a healthy and focused Rashee Rice. He currently projects as the clear-cut WR1 for a passing attack that faces prominent depth concerns entering the 2026 season.

Behind Rice on the depth chart sits dynamic wideout Xavier Worthy, who is currently managing a shoulder issue. With Rice sidelined for the summer, the top remaining targets at Mahomes’ disposal include a re-signed Tyquan Thornton, alongside younger developmental options like Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen, and Nikko Remigio.

According to Spotrac: “The Chiefs converted $9.685M of George Karlaftis’ salary into signing bonus, creating $7.7M of 2026 space. KC now carries an estimated $13M of Top 51 cap space into June.” The move gives the Chiefs more breathing room financially as they continue shaping the roster around Patrick Mahomes and another potential Super Bowl run.

Karlaftis remains one of the key pieces of Kansas City’s defense, but the timing of the restructure immediately sparked conversations about what could come next. The Chiefs still need financial flexibility to sign members of their rookie class, yet the extra cap space could also allow the front office to explore adding another major offensive weapon.

Chiefs could sign another wide receiver

The restructure could be an early signal that the Chiefs are keeping their options open at wide receiver, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice’s legal situation.

Rice remains one of the team’s most talented young playmakers, but the possibility of missed time or league discipline has naturally increased speculation about the Chiefs potentially adding another proven target for Mahomes.

One intriguing option still available on the market is Stefon Diggs. While nothing concrete has emerged linking Diggs to Kansas City, the Chiefs creating additional cap space instantly fuels theories about whether they could pursue a veteran receiver capable of elevating the offense immediately.

Chiefs trade rumors with A.J. Brown

There have also been rumors around possible trade interest involving A.J. Brown, although a blockbuster move remains unlikely at this stage. The New England Patriots reportedly appear to hold an advantage if the Philadelphia Eagles ever seriously entertain trade conversations.

Still, in today’s NFL, unexpected moves happen quickly, especially when a contender believes it has a championship window to maximize. The idea of pairing Brown with Mahomes would instantly create one of the NFL’s most dangerous offensive combinations.

With Travis Kelce still playing at a high level and Xavier Worthy continuing to develop, adding another elite receiver could completely transform Kansas City’s offense heading into 2026.

For now, the Karlaftis restructure may simply be smart cap management. But around the NFL, these types of financial moves are often viewed as the first sign that something bigger could be coming for a team determined to remain at the top of the AFC.

After months of uncertainty surrounding his ACL and LCL rehabilitation process, a new report from ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler suggests the superstar quarterback may already be ahead of schedule in his attempt to return for the start of the 2026 NFL season.

“He is ahead of schedule. Sources I have talked to say that he’s been rehabbing like a maniac in Kansas City. Sometimes he spends the offseason, for parts of it, in Texas throwing with his receivers or back home. He’s been in Kansas City for the majority of this time to really dig on the rehab. He’s in there every day six or seven hours getting after it.”

Will Patrick Mahomes be ready for Week 1?

For now, it’s possible. While the Chiefs continue taking a cautious approach with Patrick Mahomes, Fowler’s latest update suggests the process is moving in the right direction as the quarterback progresses into more demanding stages of rehabilitation.

“I’m told the next step is the cutting part. That’s where he’s got to get comfortable. He’s been throwing often for the last month or so, but cutting is a big one. Still looking at Week 1. He’s got to prove it over time. They have to clear him and all that stuff, but his goal has not changed. Week 1 is the goal.”

The cutting phase represents one of the most important checkpoints in Mahomes’ recovery because it directly tests the stability and confidence in the injured knee.

Throwing the football is obviously encouraging, but the ability to move naturally, plant, and change direction remains critical for a quarterback known for extending plays outside the pocket.

A huge moment for the Chiefs

For the Chiefs, having Patrick Mahomes available at the beginning of the season could completely reshape expectations in the AFC. They still possess one of the league’s most dangerous offensive rosters, and a healthy Mahomes would immediately put the franchise back into the Super Bowl conversation despite the challenges of competing in a loaded AFC landscape.

At this point, they appear focused on balancing optimism with patience. But based on Fowler’s report and Mahomes’ relentless rehab commitment, the possibility of seeing the Chiefs star under center in Week 1 suddenly feels far more realistic than many initially expected.

The sight of Mahomes back on the field changes the tone around Kansas City entering the 2026 NFL season. There had been growing concerns that the recovery timeline from multiple ligament injuries in his left knee could extend deep into the regular season, potentially putting Week 1 availability in doubt. Instead, the early OTA footage suggests the recovery process may be moving ahead faster than many expected.

While the Chiefs will undoubtedly remain cautious throughout the summer, Mahomes participating in football activities this early provides legitimate optimism inside the organization and across the fan base. Kansas City’s championship window remains wide open as long as Mahomes is healthy, and his return to throwing drills is already fueling hope that the offense could be close to full strength by the start of the season.

Patrick Mahomes’ recovery could change everything for the Chiefs in 2026

The Chiefs are once again positioning themselves as Super Bowl contenders, and Mahomes’ recovery is the centerpiece of those ambitions. They enter the 2026 season with an offense loaded with playmakers, including Kenneth Walker III, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy.

Kelce’s experience and chemistry with Mahomes remain critical for the offense, while Worthy’s explosiveness adds another deep-threat dimension that defenses must respect. The addition of Kenneth Walker III also gives Kansas City more balance offensively, potentially helping reduce pressure on Mahomes early in the season as he continues regaining full mobility and confidence in the knee.

Another major factor for the Chiefs will be the situation surrounding Rashee Rice. The talented wide receiver continues dealing with legal issues that could impact his availability moving forward. Andy Reid knows that having Rice fully available and focused on football would significantly elevate the offense and provide Mahomes with another elite weapon in the passing game.

For now, though, the biggest takeaway from OTAs is simple: Patrick Mahomes is back on the field, throwing passes, and giving the Chiefs a realistic reason to believe another championship run is possible. After the uncertainty surrounding such serious knee injuries, that alone feels like a massive victory for Kansas City heading into 2026.

During a recent appearance on NFL Network’s ‘The Insiders’, Smith opened up about the importance of protecting Patrick Mahomes better this upcoming season.

“As an offensive lineman, you always feel the responsibility to keep your quarterback calm, protected, and allowing him to operate,” Smith said. “You have the best quarterback in the game right now, so you just want to give him every opportunity to do what he does best.”

Mahomes continues his recovery

Everything indicates that Mahomes‘ recovery is a success and that his competitive spirit is what keeps him afloat and hungry to return and triumph, as Mahomes is expected to be in attendance during OTAs, but will still be working his way back from knee surgery in rehab.

Once he’s back in the lineup, the offensive line, led by Smith, will focus on keeping him healthy. “At the end of the day, I think the pressure is on us just as a team, and individually, what we can do to get better every single day,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, Patrick Mahomes is the best competitor I’ve ever been around.”

There has been talk that Mahomes is ahead of what was expected in his recovery, but ESPN insider Adam Schefter warned Andy Reid and highlighted the differences between recovering and being at 100% for an NFL match.

“As much as we know Patrick Mahomes, and as great as he’s been, I don’t know that we know what we’re going to get from Patrick Mahomes early on. Let’s not diminish the fact that he tore his ACL, he tore his LCL, he’s had a toe injury. This is a major injury. How does a player come back from that?… When he comes back right away, assuming he plays that Monday Night opener, do you think we’re getting the full-on Patrick Mahomes in Week 1?”

Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee show and said, “Rashee Rice is going into the last year of his contract without a new deal on the horizon.. It’s really unfortunate because it’s all there for him.”

Between the off-field incidents and injuries, Rice has turned a hugely promising career into one that could see him test free agency instead of getting a huge paycheck. Rice will miss OTAs due to being in jail and has been suspended previously for violating the NFL‘s personal conduct policy. He could be suspended again.

Rice is the Chiefs best WR, but they might be tired of his shennanigans

No one will deny that Rashee Rice is a very talented player. Whether he belongs in the upper echelon of WRs in the NFL or in a second tier is up for debate but he is an incredible talent. In fact, he is the best WR on the Chiefs, without hesitation. Having said that, even when he’s on the field his attitude is causing problems.

However, Rice missed 13 games in 2024, and nine games in 2025. Whether it’s him nursing injuries or getting suspended, the Chiefs are likely thinking that he is not reliable. Availability is the best ability at the end of the day.

Chiefs don’t have much in the WR department

The leverage Rashee Rice has over the Chiefs is how thin the WR depth chart is. This has happened before, and as soon as Rice is back on the field, he is crucial for the offense. The next best wideouts on the Chiefs are Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton.

They failed to address this need in free agency and in the NFL Draft. The only move they did, besides a lot of UDFAs, was picking Cyrus Allen in the fifth round. Hence, at least for this season, Rice is needed. However, if the Chiefs opt to not give him a new contract, WR will be the No.1 priority for them.

“Do they circle back and maybe look at the idea of trading for AJ Brown? I don’t think that happens. They had that opportunity. They were on AJ Brown’s list. They said no to the Eagles in the first place,” the insider stated on The Breer Report.

The future of one of the most consistent receivers for the Philadelphia Eagles in recent years still appears uncertain. Could the New England Patriots ultimately be Brown’s destination? What is clear is that it seems he will likely not be catching passes from Patrick Mahomes in the 2026 NFL season.

What happened with Rashee Rice?

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was ordered to jail on Tuesday after testing positive for THC, a direct violation of his probation terms following his 2024 high-speed crash. A Dallas County judge revoked his release conditions and ordered him to serve a 30-day sentence immediately, keeping him behind bars until June 16.

The Chiefs’ interesting receiving corps

Rashee Rice’s incident does not rule him out of Andy Reid’s plans for the upcoming NFL season. Additionally, with the unlikely arrival of A.J. Brown, the experienced head coach can rely heavily on players such as Tyquan Thornton and Xavier Worthy, among others.

What lies ahead for the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to begin Phase 3 of their offseason program with voluntary OTAs scheduled for May 26–28 and June 1–3. Following those sessions, the team will transition immediately into their Mandatory Minicamp from June 9–11, marking the final official team practices before breaking for the summer ahead of Training Camp in late July.