Patrick Mahomes Cleared for Chiefs Training Camp

Sport

By lines

July 25, 2026

Illustration of a braced knee and football representing Patrick Mahomes cleared after ACL surgery

Patrick Mahomes is cleared to go. The Kansas City Chiefs opened training camp with Patrick Mahomes at full participation. Patrick Mahomes tore his left ACL in December 2025, about seven months ago. The Chiefs quarterback avoided the physically unable to perform list. Patrick Mahomes said he feels stronger than before the surgery.

Mahomes Beat the Nine-Month ACL Timeline

Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Patrick Mahomes will take full reps at Chiefs training camp. Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025. Dr. Dan Cooper repaired the knee in Dallas one day later. The injury ended Patrick Mahomes’ 2025 season in Week 15. Andy Reid said the Chiefs will handle the workload day by day.

A torn ACL usually sidelines players about nine months, per medical norms. Patrick Mahomes reached full clearance in roughly seven months. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported the accelerated timeline. Patrick Mahomes returned to throwing about three months after surgery. The pace put Patrick Mahomes ahead of the typical schedule.

Kansas City also cleared wide receiver Rashee Rice for full camp work. Patrick Mahomes now anchors the Chiefs offense heading into 2026. The Chiefs reached five Super Bowls in six seasons with Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City built its 2026 roster around a healthy Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs fell short of a title after Patrick Mahomes went down last season.

Patrick Mahomes described the clearance as one checkpoint, not a finish line. Patrick Mahomes said he must keep working through camp and the preseason. Patrick Mahomes rehabbed for more than seven months before full clearance. Patrick Mahomes threw to teammates during offseason workouts this spring. His mobility will face its first real test in padded practices. The Chiefs eased Patrick Mahomes back through individual drills first.

The clearance restores Kansas City’s ceiling for the 2026 season. A full training camp lets Patrick Mahomes rebuild timing with his receivers. Patrick Mahomes will turn 31 in September, inside his prime. Kansas City’s title odds hinge on Patrick Mahomes’ surgically repaired knee. The Chiefs open the 2026 regular season in September. Kansas City remains a perennial AFC contender with Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City will still manage Patrick Mahomes’ workload through the preseason. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Chiefs will stay cautious in camp. Patrick Mahomes is targeting a Week 1 start in 2026. Every rep now signals how far Patrick Mahomes has recovered. A clean preseason would erase the last doubts about the knee.