Patrick Mahomes is expected to report for the Kansas City Chiefs' training camp later this week. Yet, while optimism around his return continues to grow, one analyst has asked the Kansas City Chiefs to be patient.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Chiefs are preparing to welcome Mahomes back, but he believes the team must avoid rushing the three-time Super Bowl MVP.

"This year, the Chiefs are going back to having quarterbacks and rookies report three days earlier than the rest of the team after having everyone come to camp together the past few years, meaning Mahomes will be in St. Joseph, Mo., on Friday," Breer wrote.

The Chiefs will kick off a minicamp specifically for rookies and QBs on July 21st. The two groups will be crucial going into the season, considering the defense is relying on rookies, while the QB group has a veteran returning from injury and former Jets QB Justin Fields. However, that means Mahomes will be a part of this group as well.

"The assumption, knowing him as a person, is that he'll be champing at the bit to get on the field, as he was in the spring," Breer added. "And while that enthusiasm is appreciated, it's also a reminder to exhibit some caution."

Now, Mahomes has been aiming to make Week 1 of the 2026 season his return date, but the team is being cautious. The Chiefs already took a careful approach during OTAs by allowing Mahomes to participate in 7-on-7 drills while keeping him out of full 11-on-11 sessions.

"So the plan is to be smart with it, and make sure everyone is doing what's going to put him in the best position to be at his best from September through February, not just ready for Week 1," Breer added.

Losing Patrick Mahomes to injury last season forced the Chiefs into a difficult spot. They missed out on the playoffs for the first time in years, finishing with a dismal 6-11 record.

Andy Reid's demanding training camps should provide plenty of quality reps, but Kansas City is unlikely to rush its franchise quarterback before he's fully comfortable.

While Mahomes' recovery will dominate headlines, the Chiefs will also use training camp to settle two important starting jobs before Week 1.

Chiefs still have two starting spots to decide

According to Garrett Kerman of Clutch Points, Kansas City's biggest competitions will be cornerback and right tackle.

The slot corner battle featured Kader Kohou, Chris Roland-Wallace, L'Jarius Sneed and rookie Jadon Canady. With Trent McDuffie no longer in Kansas City, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo needs a dependable replacement inside.

On offense, Jaylon Moore enters camp as the favorite at right tackle. But second-year lineman Esa Pole is expected to challenge for that role. Chu Godrick and rookie Kahlil Benson will also compete for depth.

Protecting Mahomes remains the Chiefs' biggest priority. As he works his way back from injury, Kansas City's coaching staff will look for the right combinations before the season begins.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar