Patrick Mahomes is participating in Chiefs OTAs, targeting a Week 1 ACL return

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 10-year playoff run came to an abrupt end in Week 15 last season after falling short at Arrowhead Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury while trying to gain yards in the final minutes of the game.

At the time, the Chiefs said Mahomes “will begin his rehabilitation program.” On Thursday, the two-time NFL MVP took a significant step forward, returning to the practice field for seven of seven drills and connecting with wide receiver Xavier Worthy for a touchdown pass.

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“Come on baby!” Mahomes screamed twice as he jumped sideways in celebration, with a knee pad serving as a reminder of his reconstructed knee. Thursday’s meeting was the first practice of the week open to the media.

While the three-time Super Bowl champion participated in seven of seven practices, he did not participate in 11-on-11 work. Mahomes has been sidelined for nearly five months in the process of dealing with a torn ACL and LCL.

PATRICK MAHOMES BACK TO FOOTBALL THREE MONTHS AFTER ACL TAR

“It was good to be back on the field with the guys, more than anything,” Mahomes said after Thursday’s session of organized team activities (OTAs). “Some of those days you’re rehabbing, you’re out here by yourself or with a few other guys. You get that juice when everybody’s back in the building. It was good to be out there.”

In January, Mahomes said he intends to be ready for the Chiefs’ regular season opener in September. This week, he gave up on that goal.

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball past Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 7, 2025. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

“That’s always going to be a 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 way off. 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 because of that mindset.”

Chiefs coach, Andy Reid, continued to be careful with Mahomes this week, blocking the quarterback when there was a high risk of unintended contact.

Regardless of the workload, Reid credited Mahomes for the months of work he’s put in to get to this stage of recovery, saying the quarterback “worked his tail off” to get back on the practice field.

“I like what I’ve seen. He works hard,” Reid said. “This is good for him – getting out there and pitching is good for him.”

While Mahomes has resumed throwing, he said he hasn’t fully strengthened running, describing that as the next phase of his recovery.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs during the second half of an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 14, 2025. (Charlie Riedel/AP)

“I’m in a good place right now compared to where some people thought, but I thought I was going to be here,” Mahomes said of his progress. “I just do what I have to do every day, and hopefully, that gives me a chance to be there with the guys whenever we start the season.”

Mahomes said he doesn’t plan to change the way he plays once he’s successful in games, stressing that he’ll “put it on the line for my boys” if the time calls for it.

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The Chiefs will host the Denver Broncos on September 14 in the regular season opener for both teams.

“The ultimate goal — the far end — is to be ready to go out there and play with the guys Week 1 at Arrowhead,” Mahomes added. “But I’ll have to take it day by day.”

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