Mahomes cleared for full camp participation; Reid urges caution on Week 1 readiness

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was cleared by the team's medical staff and Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys' head team physician who performed the surgery, to fully participate in training camp on Wednesday, according to ESPN. The clearance came nearly eight months after Mahomes sustained a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in December 2025.

Mahomes arrived at Missouri Western State's campus on Friday for the start of camp. "I feel stronger than I've ever felt, as far as strength and lifting [weights]. I feel amazing," he said, according to ESPN. Earlier this week, Mahomes demonstrated to the medical staff that he can run, cut and change directions. He will continue wearing a compression sleeve and a brace on his left leg during camp.

Coach Andy Reid said he does not plan on limiting Mahomes from his usual repetitions, and Mahomes is expected to lead the first-team offense during team periods. Reid stated, per ESPN, "He's been working so hard that you have a pretty good feel that he's in a good place. We've got to see how things go and not make any predictions about [Week 1]." Mahomes will work with running back Kenneth Walker III, tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receivers Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton for the first time since the December injury.

Mahomes has made it his mission to be the starter for the season opener on September 14 against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, according to ESPN. He said his goals include improving movement within the pocket, sharpening decision-making, and throwing the ball quicker than he did at times last season. "The process isn't over. It'll be something I'll probably be dealing with the next few years of my career and throughout the rest of my career. But I feel comfortable now being able to go out there and run the offense the way the offense is supposed to be run," Mahomes said, per ESPN.

If Mahomes continues to progress well, the Chiefs will decide whether he plays in one of the first two preseason games. Throughout his nine-year career, Mahomes has never missed the entire preseason, according to ESPN. "I'm a competitor, so [on] game day, I'm going to want to be out there. But I understand the process of getting myself ready to play in the regular season is more important," Mahomes said, per ESPN. He has received advice and encouragement from Tom Brady and safety Tyrann Mathieu, both of whom continued their All-Pro careers after sustaining torn ACLs.