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.

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?”

Kenneth Walker III is fresh off being the Super Bowl MVP, and the AChiefs are hoping he can get the running offense going in a workhorse capacity. Per Jesse Newell of The Athletic, the Chiefs could move on from Brashard Smith, who was a decent RB for them last year.

The Chiefs GM Brett Veach said earlier in the offseason the team’s plan was to run the ball to help Mahomes. However, that doesn’t mean that all RBs were safe, as the report states. Hence, Smith must really impress in OTAs or he will likely be a free agent.

The Chiefs RB depth chart

Walker is the predictable RB1 and workhorse of the team. The Chiefs also drafted Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, and signed Emari Demercado. Hence, those latter two are Smith’s competition.

But the depth chart continues, as the Chiefs brought in two UDFAs in EJ Smith, son of legendary RB Emmitt Smith, and Jaydn Ott. One would assume Smith is over them in the pecking order, but the competition is getting tougher and tougher.

The Chiefs have a big task on their hands

While no one argues Patrick Mahomes is elite, a future Hall of Famer, and already an all-time great quarterback, the fact is he is coming off an ACL tear, he doesn’t have great weapons, and the running back is a question mark even if Walker is now on the roster.

Mahomes hasn’t even gotten Pro Bowl selections in the last couple of years. His numbers are very humane as opposed to the outstanding stats he posted in his earlier years. The Chiefs must help him with weapons, protections, and good playcalling.

According to Albert Breer, that’s a potential landing spot for the veteran wide receiver as uncertainty continues surrounding his future with the New England Patriots. “The Chiefs could make sense. The Commanders might, too, since Diggs is from D.C. The Falcons and Rams would also be interesting landing spots.”

The possibility immediately becomes a key topic around the NFL considering the offensive firepower already surrounding Mahomes. If Diggs somehow joined the Chiefs, he would become part of a terrifying offense featuring Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and star running back Kenneth Walker III.

Patriots could still prevent Stefon Diggs from joining Chiefs

Even after Patrick Mahomes’ serious knee injury last season, the Chiefs continue aggressively building around their superstar quarterback for another Super Bowl run.

Adding a proven veteran like Diggs could give Andy Reid one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL once again. However, Breer also explained that everything may ultimately depend on whether the Patriots successfully complete their expected trade for A.J. Brown.

“Pessimism, I do think an A.J. Brown trade will happen. I also don’t think, for a variety of reasons, you’ll see Diggs and A.J. Brown together in New England. Now, I believe the Patriots love Diggs, and Diggs would love to return. But any realistic talk about his return, to me, hinges on whether the Brown trade happens. Assuming Brown does become a Patriot, I think Diggs will probably be somewhere in that one-year, $10 million range.”

That scenario could completely reshape the wide receiver market around the league. If the Patriots finalize a blockbuster move for Brown, Diggs would likely become one of the top veteran receivers available for contenders searching for another offensive weapon.

For Kansas City, the fit would certainly make sense. Mahomes has consistently thrived with elite route runners and experienced receivers, while Diggs would immediately benefit from playing inside Andy Reid’s creative offensive system.

At this point, nothing appears imminent. But if the Patriots land Brown, the possibility of Diggs catching passes from Mahomes in Kansas City could suddenly a possibility.

That could take some time, especially since the successful tandem from the Kansas City Chiefs is still active, meaning its win total (including playoffs) could continue to grow. What they could realistically surpass, however, is the duo of Marv Levy and Jim Kelly, who recorded 108 wins together (99 in the regular season and 9 in the playoffs) with the Buffalo Bills.

Since the creation of the Super Bowl in 1966, the NFL has featured highly successful quarterback-coach duos such as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, as well as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. This is the list in which both Rodgers and McCarthy, who reunite in Pittsburgh many years after their time together on the Green Bay Packers, will look to continue climbing the rankings.

Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh

According to NFL media, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 22nd NFL season after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $25 million. The contract is expected to feature a base salary between $22 million and $23 million, with the remaining amount structured through a few million dollars in performance incentives.

Aaron Rodgers looks to build on 2025 success

Heading into his second consecutive year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers is locked in to elevate an offense that leaned heavily on conservative play-calling last season. Despite leading the team to an AFC North title, Rodgers posted a career-low 3,322 passing yards over 16 regular-season games, paired with a modest 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Reunited with Mike McCarthy—whose system historically pushed the ball much deeper downfield—the 42-year-old signal-caller will look to drastically improve upon his league-worst 6.1-yard average target depth and replicate the aggressive, high-flying aerial attack that once defined their championship years together.

While reports indicate Mahomes is ahead of schedule after suffering devastating ACL and LCL injuries, Schefter warned that returning to the field and getting to peak form are not necessarily the same thing.

“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?”

The comments reflect a tough reality for the Chiefs entering the 2026 season. Patrick Mahomes may ultimately be available for Week 1, but there is still uncertainty regarding how explosive, mobile, and physically comfortable he will look immediately after returning from one of the most serious injuries of his career.

Adam Schefter issues strong warning to Chiefs

Adam Schefter doubled down on those concerns while discussing Kansas City’s season opener and the expectations surrounding Mahomes’ return. “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?”

Perhaps the good news for the Chiefs is that the opening month of the schedule does not appear overwhelmingly difficult on paper. Kansas City will begin the year against the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Las Vegas Raiders before reaching an early bye week in Week 5.

That lighter opening stretch could become extremely important if Mahomes needs time to fully regain rhythm and confidence physically. However, the challenge grows dramatically later in the season when the Chiefs face a brutal closing schedule loaded with Super Bowl contenders and elite quarterbacks.

For Andy Reid and Kansas City, the goal may simply be surviving the early portion of the season while Mahomes continues progressing in his recovery. If the star quarterback can gradually return to full strength by the second half of the year, the Chiefs could once again become one of the NFL’s most dangerous teams entering the playoffs.

According to Reid, Mahomes is “doing great right now and that’s kinda how you gotta go about this. People go ‘well, he’s ahead of schedule.’ Who made the schedule? Everybody’s different, let’s just take it day by day... He hasn’t missed a day and he wants more, all the things that are Patrick Mahomes.”

By getting two primetime games in the first two weeks, the schedule suggests that the NFL thinks Mahomes will be ready to go. However, Reid did say that the Chiefs haven’t spoke to the NFL about the quarterback’s recovery.

Who are the Chiefs facing in the two first weeks?

Regular season starts in early September, and the Chiefs’ Week 1 opponent is none other than AFC West foe, the Denver Broncos, who they’ll face on Monday Night Football. The Broncos were the ones to end the Chiefs division-winning streak last season.

In Week 2, they’ll host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. Ironically enough, the Chiefs, Broncos, and Colts are all facing QB uncertainty. The Broncos are racing to see how fast Bo Nix recovers from an ankle injury, while the Colts are monitoring how Daniel Jones recovers from an Achilles tear.

Chiefs have six primetime games in 2026

Besides the first two weeks vs. Broncos and Colts, the Chiefs have a plethora of primetime games awaiting. In Week 7, they visit the Seahawks for a Sunday Night Football showdown. During Thanksgiving, they will play at Buffalo to close out the slate.

Then, Week 13 comes and they play on Thursday Night Football, again as the away side to the Los Angeles Rams. Their last primetime game is a home Monday Night Football matchup against the New England Patriots.

That means Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will potentially have to battle three of the league’s elite quarterbacks in hostile environments: Josh Allen in Buffalo, Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles, and Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. It’s the kind of schedule sequence that could ultimately shape playoff seeding across the AFC and determine whether Kansas City can once again secure home-field advantage.

As if that road gauntlet were not difficult enough, the Chiefs will then return to Arrowhead Stadium in Week 15 to face the Patriots, a team coming off a Super Bowl appearance last season and the revamped 49ers in Week 16. On paper, it is one of the most demanding five-game stretches any contender will face during the 2026 campaign.

Chiefs 2026 full schedule

The Chiefs will open the season against the Denver Broncos before facing the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Las Vegas Raiders prior to their bye week. After that break, Kansas City’s schedule becomes significantly more challenging.

Following the bye, the Chiefs will face the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals before entering the brutal late-season stretch against the Bills, Rams, Bengals, Patriots, and 49ers.

Kansas City will then close the regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. If Patrick Mahomes is fully healthy after his ACL and LCL recovery, the Chiefs once again appear built for another Super Bowl run, although the path through this schedule will be anything but easy.