SouthernWorldwide.com – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was seen participating in organized team activities (OTAs) with a noticeable knee brace, signaling his continued progress towards a Week 1 return for the upcoming NFL season.
Mahomes sustained a season-ending ACL injury last season. This occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15, an event that also marked the end of the Chiefs’ decade-long playoff streak.
Following the injury, the Chiefs organization announced that Mahomes would “begin his rehab process immediately.” His return to the practice field for seven-on-seven drills on Thursday represented a significant milestone in his recovery.
During the drills, Mahomes connected with wide receiver Xavier Worthy for a touchdown pass. This moment was met with visible excitement from the quarterback, who was heard exclaiming “Come on, baby!” as he hopped towards the sideline.
The knee brace served as a constant reminder of the reconstructed knee. Thursday’s practice was the first session of the week that was open for media observation.
While Mahomes was active in the seven-on-seven drills, he did not participate in the more intensive 11-on-11 team work. He is currently about five months removed from the procedure to repair a torn ACL and LCL.
Speaking after the OTAs session, Mahomes expressed his satisfaction with being back on the field with his teammates. He highlighted the difference between individual rehabilitation and the energy of the full team environment.
“It was good to be back on the field with the guys, more than anything,” Mahomes stated. “Some of those days you’re rehabbing, you’re here by yourself or with a couple of the other guys. You kind of get that juice when everyone gets back in the building. It was good to be out there.”
Mahomes had previously indicated in January that his target was to be ready for the Chiefs’ regular-season opener in September. He reaffirmed this goal this week.
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“That’s always going to be the goal. I don’t want to miss games. As a competitor — as a football player — I want to be there,” Mahomes said. “I know it’s still a long ways away. I can’t predict the future. So all I can do is be great today, and then continue to be great tomorrow. But I’ve gotten to where I’ve gotten to because of that mindset.”
Head Coach Andy Reid maintained a cautious approach with Mahomes during the OTAs. He kept the quarterback from drills that carried a higher risk of unintended contact.
Despite the limited workload, Reid acknowledged Mahomes’ dedication and hard work throughout his recovery. He emphasized that Mahomes had “busted his tail” to return to the practice field.
“I like what I’ve seen. He’s working hard,” Reid commented. “This is good for him — getting out there and throwing is good for him.”
Mahomes confirmed that while he has resumed throwing, he has not yet fully ramped up his running activities. He identified this as the next crucial phase of his recovery.
“I’m in a good spot now compared to where some people thought, but I thought I was gonna be here,” Mahomes remarked about his progress. “It’s just doing what I’m supposed to do every single day, and then hopefully, that gives me the chance to be out there with the guys whenever we start the season.”
Looking ahead, Mahomes stated that he does not intend to alter his playing style once he is cleared to play in games. He expressed his commitment to giving his all for his team when the situation calls for it.
The Kansas City Chiefs are scheduled to face the Denver Broncos on September 14th in their regular-season opener. This game will be the first of the season for both AFC West rivals.
“The goal at the end — the very far end — is to be ready to be able to go out there and play with the guys Week 1 at Arrowhead,” Mahomes concluded. “But I’ve got to take it day by day.”
