Patrick Mahomes is on course to start Kansas City’s season opener after head coach Andy Reid offered an upbeat assessment of the quarterback’s condition during training camp on Wednesday, July 30.
Reid told reporters that Mahomes looked strong in practice, with his footwork and leg strength particularly catching the coach’s eye. He said his primary focus when watching Mahomes is the lower body — specifically how well the quarterback can push off laterally and straight ahead — given the significance of a leg injury. He added that Mahomes is bending, throwing, and driving off the repaired knee with confidence.
Reid also noted that assistant athletic trainer Julie Frymyer has played a central role in the rehab process, engineering sessions designed to rebuild that explosive movement. The coach said he positions himself directly behind Mahomes during practice so the two can communicate constantly.
Full Clearance Granted Before Camp Opened
The positive camp reports follow an earlier announcement from Reid on July 24 that Mahomes had received full medical clearance to participate in all practice periods. That clearance came roughly seven months after Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on December 14, a notably faster turnaround than the nine-to-twelve-month timeline the NFL typically sees for ACL recoveries. Mahomes said clearance from his surgeon arrived just two days before camp opened, via Yahoo Sports.
Mahomes himself acknowledged the process is far from over, telling reporters the knee is something he will likely manage throughout the remainder of his career. He did say, however, that he had reached a point of comfort running the Chiefs’ offense.
Week 1 Target: Chiefs Host Broncos on Monday Night
The Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football has been circled as Mahomes’ return date. Mahomes did not open camp on the active/physically unable to perform list, and he was working with the team’s rookies before veterans reported. Both milestones pointed toward a full return.
The schedule sets up an intriguing divisional opener, with Denver quarterback Bo Nix also recovering from a fractured ankle suffered in January’s playoff win over the Buffalo Bills.
Fields Added as High-Level Backup
Kansas City brought in Justin Fields this offseason to provide an experienced backup option behind Mahomes. Fields’ presence offers the Chiefs insurance, though all current indicators from the coaching staff point to Mahomes taking the Week 1 snap.
Reid confirmed he is keeping a close eye on the small technical details of Mahomes’ mechanics, while trusting the medical team’s guidance on load management. Reid said he remains optimistic.
