Chiefs coaches reportedly have strong feelings about recovery of Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach raised eyebrows and excited members of the fan base when he said this week that quarterback Patrick Mahomes is "way ahead of schedule" in the recovery from his torn ACL and torn LCL. Mahomes suffered the setback this past December. 

Per an update shared by NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US on Wednesday, it sounds like members of head coach Andy Reid's staff believe Mahomes could be good to go for the start of the 2026 regular season. 

Chiefs coaching staff optimistic that Patrick Mahomes will be able to play in Week 1?

"Members of the coaching staff are telling some of their friends around the league that they are hopeful that Mahomes will be fully cleared early in training camp and on track to play a full season," La Canfora wrote about the Chiefs. "Obviously, a setback could always occur, but Mahomes is known for his steely mindset, and he has full conviction in making this return as quickly as possible." 

Multiple reports released since Mahomes first went down with his setback have made it clear that he has always targeted Week 1 of the upcoming campaign as the date for his return to action. It's unknown exactly when Kansas City will open the season, as the full 2026 schedule won't be released until later in May. 

Why Chiefs aren't worried about what Patrick Mahomes will and won't do during OTAs

As of the first Wednesday of May, it is assumed that offseason acquisition Justin Fields will serve as Kansas City's temporary QB1 when the club's OTAs begin on May 26. Understandably, Chiefs coaches aren't losing sleep over what Mahomes will and won't do during those sessions. 

"The buzz around the league, and coming out of Kansas City, is that the future Hall of Fame quarterback attacked his return from season-ending surgery with fury and conviction and is ahead of schedule and consumed with being back for the season opener," La Canfora added about Mahomes. "...While much is being made about what Mahomes could do in upcoming spring practices with the Chiefs (organized team activities), the reality is those are glorified walk-throughs, and the Chiefs will monitor him closely."

In short, it continues to seem that Mahomes will be a full participant in practices as the Chiefs begin preparing for their 2026 Week 1 matchup later this summer.