Jul 22, 2026, 2:00 AM CUT
"When they tell him he can go, he will really go": Chiefs face surprising Patrick Mahomes dilemma
ST. JOSEPH, MO - AUGUST 12: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes 15 smiles and gives the thumbs up to fans during practice at training camp on August 12, 2025 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 12 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2508120813
ST. JOSEPH, MO - AUGUST 12: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes 15 smiles and gives the thumbs up to fans during practice at training camp on August 12, 2025 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 12 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2508120813
After months of rehabilitation, the Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback
appears to be near full medical clearance, creating excitement. The
Chiefs know once Patrick Mahomes is given the green light, limiting his competitive instincts is as important as getting him healthy.
Now, the latest update regarding his recovery and availability has
sparked curiosity among the Chiefs fans.
"There's an expectation among Chiefs people that Mahomes will be
fully cleared this week, and also the knowledge that when they tell him he can go, he will really go," wrote reporter Albert Breer of
Sports Illustrated.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills Nov 2, 2025 Orchard Park, New York, USA Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes 15 walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Orchard Park Highmark Stadium New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxKoneznyx 20251102_kdn_bk3_342
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills Nov 2, 2025 Orchard Park, New York, USA Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes 15 walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Orchard Park Highmark Stadium New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxKoneznyx 20251102_kdn_bk3_342
Mahomes was having a decent run for the Chiefs before his injury last season. In 14 games, he recorded 22 touchdowns for 3,587 yards with a QB rating of 89.6.
Unfortunately, things turned for the worse in Week 15 of the season during their game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
After Chargers defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand tackled him from behind, his left knee twisted awkwardly and hyperextended as he went to the ground. Mahomes grabbed his knee right away and had to be helped off the field.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated observed Mahomes' mentality. The two-time NFL MVP has embraced playing with a competitive mindset.
Once doctors remove restrictions, the Chiefs will need to balance his excitement with caution to ensure that he stays healthy for the entire season.
During the offseason, Mahomes participated in limited, non-contact work, but the franchise expects him to return to full participation as camp progresses. The Chiefs' staff is expected to carefully examine his practice reps and not rush the clearance.
Fans have reacted positively to the latest updates, viewing Mahomes' return as the Chiefs' title hopes. His leadership and ability to elevate the offense remain unmatched, which makes his health the team's biggest priority.
The Chiefs' dilemma is not whether Mahomes is ready to compete; it's ensuring that their QB doesn't push himself too hard too soon.
Patrick Mahomes sets clear Week 1 target despite Chiefs' cautious recovery plan
Patrick Mahomes is focused on being under center when the Chiefs open the 2026 season against the Denver Broncos.
"That's my goal; I've said that since the beginning: being ready to go Week 1," Mahomes said on a Yahoo! Sports interview. "I can't predict the future, and I know that it's a long process. It's not just my decision, but at the same time I'm going to give the doctors and the coaches every single opportunity I can to let me be out there Week 1."
Mahomes has shown confidence in his rehabilitation progress and is hopeful of facing the Broncos on Monday Night Football.
What are your views on Patrick Mahomes' recovery timeline? Let us know in the comments!
Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!
Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Kalp Thaker