Now, however, Mahomes believes the Chiefs are ready to turn the page. The star quarterback has made an impressive recovery from the ACL and LCL injuries that ended his 2025 campaign, and he appears on track to return for Kansas City’s Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. With the season opener approaching, Mahomes is sending a clear message that the Chiefs do not intend to look like the team that disappointed a year ago.

Mahomes’ comments also provide an important clue about Kansas City’s mindset heading into 2026. Rather than trying to simply recreate the team that dominated the NFL for years, the quarterback believes this group can develop its own identity while bringing back the same level of dominance. And with Super Bowl expectations still surrounding Mahomes and the Chiefs, his latest message sounds like a warning to the rest of the league.

Can the Chiefs win the Super Bowl?

Patrick Mahomes believes the Kansas City Chiefs are ready to bounce back during the 2026 NFL season. Although they’re in a very tough AFC West, the quarterback sent a big warning.

“I think it’s just the bad taste that we have from last season. It didn’t go the way we wanted to. Coach Reid talked about that, but, we learned from it. We’ve gotten better. I’ve worked to get to this point right here and be ready to go for the season. I’m just as hungry as everybody. We’re going to go out there with the mindset that we’re going a new version of the Chiefs that goes out there and dominates the same way the old one did.”

That is a significant statement from Mahomes because it shows that the Chiefs are not treating last season as an isolated failure. The 6-11 record exposed problems that had rarely been seen during the Mahomes era, while the quarterback’s knee injury added another layer of adversity. Kansas City now has to prove that the disappointing 2025 season was a setback rather than the beginning of a larger decline.

For Mahomes, the path back begins with his own return to the field. After months of rehabilitation, the quarterback is expected to lead the Chiefs against Denver in Week 1, giving Kansas City an immediate opportunity to show whether this “new version” can live up to his words. If Mahomes is healthy and the team has genuinely learned from last season, the Chiefs could quickly remind the NFL why they remained one of the league’s defining teams for so long.

Payton made that clear during his media availability on Wednesday, explaining that the Broncos believe Mahomes will be ready just like they expect Bo Nix to start in the Monday Night Football showdown.

“Look, I think, and I’m probably going to say the same for Bo [Nix], you’ve seen enough things where, you know… He’s gonna be 100%, and we’re preparing for him and his best,” Payton said about Mahomes.

“We know how talented he is, and I’m sure he’s attacked the rehab the way Bo has. Completely different injuries, but that’s kind of our approach to it.”

Patrick Mahomes’ injury with the Chiefs

Mahomes is coming back from ACL and LCL tears sustained in December during the Chiefs‘ Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, another division rival.

The quarterback’s recovery during the offseason went to plan, and all signs are pointing towards him being under center when the Chiefs host the Broncos at Arrowhead on September 14.

“He’s going to keep practicing, just like he’s been doing. These are more like training camp practices here these next couple of days (more 1-on-1),” Reid said about Mahomes’ progress on Wednesday, via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.

Bo Nix’s injury in Denver

Nix is also coming back from injury, though a different one. The Broncos quarterback fractured his right ankle in the final minutes of Denver’s divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills in January.

Jarrett Stidham started in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, and even though he couldn’t lead the team to victory, Payton decided to keep him as the Broncos‘ backup quarterback for 2026. Sam Ehlinger will be the third-string QB as Denver expects Nix to start against Mahomes’ Chiefs in Week 1.

Mahomes is returning from the serious knee injury he suffered last season, but his recovery has been extremely encouraging. He has participated fully throughout training camp and has not appeared limited during practices, putting him on track to return for the regular season.

However, Andy Reid has made it clear that Mahomes does not need preseason game reps at this stage. The Chiefs are prioritizing his health and preparation for the regular season rather than exposing their franchise quarterback to unnecessary contact in a meaningless game.

Patrick Mahomes won’t play vs Seahawks

Patrick Mahomes is sitting out against Seattle because the Chiefs have decided not to risk their starting quarterback in the preseason. This is not a setback in his recovery.

In fact, Mahomes has remained on track throughout the summer after suffering ACL and LCL injuries last season. He has participated in training camp and has continued taking first-team reps. The plan from the beginning was to have Mahomes ready for Week 1 rather than force him onto the field during the preseason.

When will Patrick Mahomes return?

Patrick Mahomes is expected to make his return when the Chiefs begin the 2026 regular season against the Denver Broncos. His recovery has progressed well enough that the organization remains confident about his availability, although the final decision will ultimately depend on the coaching and medical staffs.

For now, the Chiefs are giving their star quarterback another night off while the rest of the roster competes for jobs. Garrett Nussmeier will start against the Seahawks, with Kansas City using the preseason finale primarily to evaluate its depth and players fighting for roster spots.

Per Charles Goldman of AtoZSports, Reid said, “He’s doing great… literally taking it day-by-day. If trainers, doctors, and everybody give him the OK… and he feels OK…“ All in all, it looks like a positive for the team.

Basically, if there is no setback, Mahomes will play vs. Broncos in Week 1. Mahomes tore his ACL on December 14, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs were having a bad season, but the injury relegated them to miss the playoffs.

The Chiefs’ record without Mahomes

Mahomes became the starter in 2018, and since then, he’s been usually available and making magic for the Chiefs. However, since he got the job, the Chiefs rely too much in him. From 2018 to 2025, the Chiefs are 2-6 when Mahomes doesn’t start or play for the team.

The Chiefs brought Justin Fields and drafted Garrett Nussmeier to have reliable backups if Mahomes suffers a setback or reinjures himself. However, at least for the moment, Mahomes will be available to start the season.

What is Mahomes’ record vs Broncos?

The Chiefs really hope Mahomes can suit up and play vs. the Broncos because he has dominated this team at will since entering the NFL. In fact, Mahomes has a 13-2 record vs. Broncos which is high-rate efficiency.

Mahomes has made remarkable progress in his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered last season. He has been cleared for full-team work and has looked increasingly comfortable during training camp, but the Chiefs have no reason to expose him to unnecessary preseason contact with the regular season approaching.

That makes Saturday’s matchup against the Buccaneers another opportunity to evaluate the quarterbacks behind him. Justin Fields will get the start, while Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun are also expected to receive significant playing time as the Chiefs continue preparing their roster for the 2026 campaign.

Will Patrick Mahomes play today against the Buccaneers?

No. Andy Reid’s decision is primarily about protecting Patrick Mahomes and making sure his star quarterback is ready when the games begin to count. The Chiefs have already kept him out of their preseason opener, and Reid confirmed that Mahomes will also sit out Saturday’s game in Tampa Bay.

The quarterback’s recovery has been the main topic for Kansas City throughout the offseason. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL last December and underwent surgery, but his progress has been described as encouraging. He has even participated in full-team work during training camp as he works toward the regular-season opener.

Still, there is a major difference between looking good in controlled practice situations and returning to the real pace and physicality of an NFL game. The Chiefs appear determined to avoid taking that risk in August, especially with Mahomes’ return to regular-season action becoming the priority.

Who will start for the Chiefs vs Bucs?

Justin Fields is expected to be the Chiefs’ starting quarterback against Tampa Bay, giving him another important opportunity to run Kansas City’s offense in preseason action. Reid previously announced that Fields would receive roughly the first quarter and a half of the game.

Garrett Nussmeier is expected to take over after Fields, with the seventh-round rookie also projected to receive roughly a quarter and a half of playing time. That should give the Chiefs another extended look at the young quarterback as they evaluate their depth behind Mahomes.

Chris Oladokun is then expected to handle the fourth quarter. Reid described the planned rotation as a rough itinerary, meaning the exact distribution could change depending on how the game develops.

According to Senior Team Reporter Matt McMullen, the rest of the Chiefs’ quarterback room will handle the snaps: Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun. Recently, Reid himself addressed Mahomes’ situation: “I don’t know if I’ll play him the second or third game, I don’t know that, but the percentages likely lean against doing that.”

The head coach also added: “We’ve got new people in those other positions behind him that need some work, and so the more reps they get, the better.“ It is clear that the main goal is for No. 15 to be fully healthy and ready for Week 1.

What is Patrick Mahomes’ status?

Patrick Mahomes has made remarkable progress following the serious left knee injury he suffered late in the 2025 regular season. After tearing both his ACL and LCL, the quarterback underwent successful reconstructive surgery in December and spent the offseason undergoing intense, rigorous rehabilitation to regain full strength and mobility.

Now fully cleared for football activities without restrictions, the star signal-caller is entering the new season with immense confidence. Addressing his status during training camp, Mahomes provided significant injury update on his knee: ‘It feels great’, bringing huge relief to the team and reassuring fans that he is ready to play at an elite level once again.

Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Preseason games

Following their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Kansas City Chiefs will continue their preseason preparation on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 22 for Week 2, before wrapping up the exhibition schedule at home against the Seattle Seahawks on August 28. With the tune-up games behind them, the Chiefs will kick off the 2026 NFL regular season at Arrowhead Stadium in a Week 1 divisional clash against the Denver Broncos.

“He’s playing his tail off right now, and he’s leading us,” the tight end revealed during his press conference. These are not only words of reassurance for Andy Reid, but also for the entire Chiefs Kingdom, who are eager to quickly return to the top of the NFL.

Kelce also made it clear that he still has plenty to give his team at this stage of his career: “I still got a lot of love for this game. You know, I still think I can go out and play at a high level, and I want to go out there and prove to myself that I could play at a better level than I did last year.

“I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me is making sure that I’m accountable for the guys in this room and every single play that I’m out there.”

A dynamic duo to watch

After a complicated 2025 campaign that saw the Kansas City Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce enter the new season determined to recapture their legendary form.

As one of the most iconic quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history, the pair built a dynasty in Kansas City, securing three Super Bowl titles (LIV, LVII, and LVIII) and breaking the all-time NFL postseason record for most playoff touchdown connections by a duo with 16.

Following a year marked by offensive rhythm breakdowns and injury setbacks, the historic duo is focused on resetting the standard, rebuilding their uncanny telepathic connection, and firing the Chiefs back into championship contention.

When will they take the field?

The Kansas City Chiefs will gear up for the upcoming campaign with three 2026 preseason matchups, opening at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 15, heading on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, August 22, and closing out exhibition play at Arrowhead Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, August 28.

It remains uncertain whether head coach Andy Reid will give Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce any snaps during these games, as NFL teams frequently rest marquee veterans during the preseason to minimize injury risk ahead of the regular season.

“It feels great, pushing every single day, trying to stack days together,” Mahomes said Saturday to the press. “I feel like when you’re tired, sometimes you don’t even think about it. So, I’m trying to protect it, but at the same time, I’m trying to push it and get myself ready to go for the season.”

Although Andy Reid revealed that he likely will not use Mahomes during the preseason, the tests to ensure the QB is ready have been quite demanding: “I had to pass a test that that was pretty, pretty hard. And so, it was kind of about making me—so basically it made me really tired.

“Then they made me go out there and do a lot of cutting and jumping and all that different type of stuff. And so, I’m a competitor. So, when it comes to a test of physical ability, I wanted to go out there and do it, but (Dr. Dan Cooper) he wasn’t going to take it easy on me. He was going to push me to my limit and see what I got.”

Mahomes’ serious injury

On December 14, 2025, Patrick Mahomes suffered a severe knee injury late in the fourth quarter of a 16-13 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Scrambling to his right near the line of scrimmage, the Chiefs star was tackled by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, causing his left knee to buckle awkwardly underneath him. The impact resulted in a torn ACL and LCL, instantly ending his season and requiring major offseason surgery.

Chiefs’ preseason is approaching

The Chiefs’ three preseason games will be a major test as they look to be in the best possible shape for their Week 1 debut against the Denver Broncos. With Justin Fields likely to start, these are the three games Andy Reid’s team will play.

• vs Los Angeles Rams, August 15
• at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, August 22
• vs Seattle Seahawks, August 28

Chiefs Kingdom wants to return to the top

To bounce back and make another Super Bowl run, Andy Reid’s squad will need a full recovery from Patrick Mahomes following a brutal 2025 campaign where Kansas City missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Chiefs struggled to a 6-11 record, finishing 3rd in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos (14-3) and Los Angeles Chargers (11-6).

Kansas City’s offense took a severe hit during the losing stretch, averaging just 21.3 points per game (362 total points scored) while relying on a stout defense that allowed only 19.3 points per game (328 total points against). Rebuilding offensive line depth, retooling the offense, and getting Mahomes back to full health will be critical if the Chiefs want to reclaim division dominance and return to championship contention.

During Friday’s press conference, Andy Reid said Mahomes won’t play vs. the Rams, and is likely that he won’t participate at all. “There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him [against the Rams],” Reid said.

Reid added, “Percentages are leaning that way. I don’t know if I’ll play him the second or third game, I don’t know that, but the percentages likely lean against doing that.” The Chiefs did see Cyrus Allen back in practice with Mahomes, and the WR is likely to see some preseason snaps at some point.

The QBs at Reid’s disposal for Chiefs preseason games

Justin Fields and rookie Garrett Nussmeier will be the ones taking the majority of snaps under center during the preseason games. Justin Fields is a highly-mobile, high-risk, high-reward kind of quarterback.

Meanwhile, Nussmeier is a gunslinger with a huge arm and less mobility. The seventh-rounder out of LSU is a quick-processing, rhythm-and-timing quarterback though it’s offset by a slight frame, and tendency for turnovers.

Chiefs preseason schedule

The Chiefs will face off against three NFC teams during their preseason campaign. If these games featured A-listers from every team, they’d be must-watch affairs:

• Week 1: vs. Los Angeles Rams – Saturday, August 15, at 4:00 PM ET (National TV: NFL Network, Local: KSHB 41)
• Week 2: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Saturday, August 22, at 7:30 PM ET (Local: KSHB 41)
• Week 3: vs. Seattle Seahawks – Friday, August 28, at 8:00 PM ET (Local: KSHB 41)

A week ago, Allen was carted off from practice after getting hurt during a special teams drill. Per Josh Alper of Pro-Football Talk, Allen was “catching passes from Patrick Mahomes during drills.”

Alper also added that “Allen had been doing well enough in that role to earn time with the first team before his injury and the Chiefs will be hoping he can pick up right where he left off.“

Mahomes could welcome a new weapon

Patrick Mahomes hasn’t exactly had a certified wide receiver since Tyreek Hill. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy haven’t proved enough nor shown the consistency required to be relied upon. Add that to a Travis Kelce that has been declining in production and Cyrus Allen gaining Mahomes’ confidence could be incredible for the Chiefs.

Cyrus Allen has great ability to get separation and finished his final college season at Cincinnati with 13 receiving touchdowns, showing an innate knack for finding paydirt too.

The Chiefs offense needs to improve

The Matt Nagy era regressed an otherwise unstoppable unit. Now, the Chiefs went back to Eric Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator, and hope that gives them a boost. A guy like Allen paired with the other weapons could also be an improvement if they can stay healthy and out of trouble.

Last season, the Chiefs ranked 20th in total offense. However, it must be noted that Mahomes missed some time, as well as key pieces like Rice and Worthy. Now, they’re tasked to bounce back.

The wide receiver is slowly preparing for the most demanding stage of training. “Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice participated in 11-on-11 team drills for the first time at 2026 NFL training camp. It’s a clear sign that he’s made enough progress in his injury rehab and ramp-up for full-contact clearance,” Goldman wrote on X.

Mahomes is one of the people most eager to see Rice return, given the injuries to Xavier Worthy and Cyrus Allen during training camp. It remains to be seen what shape the Chiefs’ receiving corps will be in by the start of the season.

Rice slowly returns to action

Rashee Rice was sidelined from offseason workouts following a right knee scope and debridement procedure performed in May 2026. This minor arthroscopic clean-up was required to clear out residual joint inflammation and debris lingering from his major LCL repair in late 2024. The Chiefs took a cautious approach with his rehab throughout spring practices, prioritizing long-term stability so he could return at full strength for training camp.

Mahomes has a key weapon in Rice

During the 2025 season with Chiefs, Rashee Rice recorded 53 receptions for 571 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns across 8 regular-season games following his return from a six-game suspension.

Operating as Patrick Mahomes‘ most reliable target in the short and intermediate passing game, Rice played a crucial role in stabilizing the offense by consistently generating yards after the catch (414 YAC) and providing Mahomes with a lethal threat in the red zone.

The Chiefs’ preseason games

Waiting to have as many players available as possible for this stage of preparation, these are the upcoming games for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid‘s Chiefs.

• vs Los Angeles Rams, August 15
• at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, August 22
• vs Seattle Seahawks, August 28