Patrick Mahomes injury update: Chiefs QB confident he will be ready for 2026 NFL opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes remains on track in his recovery from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 NFL season, but the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback's return to game action remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the team ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Mahomes tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left knee during Kansas City's Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2025. The injury ended his season and ultimately contributed to the Chiefs missing the playoffs.

Despite the severity of the injury, Mahomes has made significant progress during his rehabilitation. He was fully cleared to participate in training camp in July, and the Chiefs have continued to manage his workload carefully as he works toward the regular season. The NFL's official injury coverage confirmed that Mahomes had been cleared for full training-camp participation.

Is Patrick Mahomes injured right now?

Mahomes is still recovering from his previous knee injury, but there is no indication of a new injury.

The current concern is whether he will be ready for full-speed regular-season football rather than whether he has suffered another setback.

Mahomes has not played in either of the Chiefs' first two preseason games, including their August 22 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Andy Reid has remained cautious about putting his star quarterback into preseason action while the rehabilitation process continues.

Following Kansas City's loss to Tampa Bay, Reid said the decision on whether Mahomes would play in the final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks would depend on medical clearance and the quarterback's readiness. Mahomes, meanwhile, has expressed a strong desire to return to the field.

Mahomes remains confident about Week 1

The Chiefs open the 2026 regular season against the Denver Broncos on September 14, and Mahomes continues to target that game for his return.

ESPN's current Chiefs injury information says Mahomes is "extremely confident" he will be available for the Week 1 matchup.

That optimism has been consistent throughout his rehabilitation. Mahomes has repeatedly said that his objective is to be ready for the start of the regular season, although he has also acknowledged that the final decision will involve the team's medical staff and coaches.

Andy Reid praises Mahomes' rehabilitation

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has repeatedly praised Mahomes for the intensity of his recovery.

Reid said in August that Mahomes spent approximately seven hours a day working on his rehabilitation during the offseason. The quarterback remained in Kansas City and dedicated himself to recovering from the ACL and LCL injuries rather than taking time away from the process.

"He didn't go anywhere. Seven hours a day, he was there working," Reid said, describing Mahomes as an example for the rest of the team.

Mahomes' commitment has allowed him to progress far enough to return to training-camp practice, although Kansas City continues to control how much work he receives.

Why isn't Mahomes playing in the preseason?

The Chiefs have taken a conservative approach to Mahomes' preseason workload.

Although he has been cleared to practice, preseason games present a different level of contact and unpredictability. Kansas City therefore has little incentive to expose its franchise quarterback to unnecessary risk before the games begin to count.

Mahomes has reportedly been eager to play, but Reid has emphasized that the medical team's assessment will determine the next step. After the Buccaneers game, the coach left open the possibility of Mahomes appearing against Seattle while stressing that the decision would be made carefully.

Mahomes' injury changed the Chiefs' 2025 season

The injury came during a difficult season for Kansas City. After reaching the Super Bowl in consecutive seasons, the Chiefs finished 2025 with a 6-11 record and missed the postseason.

Mahomes' absence was a major factor in the team's struggles. His recovery has consequently become central to Kansas City's hopes of returning to playoff contention in 2026.

ESPN has identified the Chiefs as one of the NFL teams with the greatest potential to improve this season, with Mahomes' health playing a major role in that outlook.

When will Patrick Mahomes return?

The target remains Week 1 against Denver on September 14.

However, the Chiefs have not announced that Mahomes is officially cleared for that game. Being cleared for training-camp participation is an important milestone, but it does not automatically mean a player is ready for a regular-season game following major knee surgery.

Mahomes' status will therefore remain one of the most closely watched NFL storylines through the final preseason week and into the regular-season opener.

What the Chiefs are saying

The most encouraging sign is that Mahomes has progressed from rehabilitation to full training-camp participation without a reported new setback.

At the same time, Kansas City has avoided rushing him. The Chiefs have a long-term interest in making sure their franchise quarterback is healthy enough to withstand a full NFL season rather than simply getting him onto the field for an early preseason appearance.

The team's official injury report remains the best source for formal changes to Mahomes' practice or game status.

The bottom line

Patrick Mahomes' knee injury remains a major storyline heading into the 2026 NFL season, but the latest developments are encouraging. He has been cleared for training camp, has continued practicing and remains confident that he can play when Kansas City opens the regular season against Denver.

What remains uncertain is whether the Chiefs will allow him to play in the preseason or wait until Week 1 before exposing him to game conditions.

For a Kansas City team attempting to rebound from a 6-11 season, Mahomes' health could ultimately determine how quickly the franchise gets back into the AFC playoff picture.

Latest status: Mahomes is recovering from his 2025 ACL/LCL injury, has been cleared for training-camp participation and remains optimistic about playing Week 1. He has not yet appeared in the Chiefs' 2026 preseason games, and his final preseason status remains a decision for the coaching and medical staff.