The Kansas City Chiefs have received a boost of optimism after Patrick Mahomes shared an update on his rehabilitation from a torn ACL and LCL suffered late in the 2025 season. The 30-year-old quarterback, who has been sidelined since a late-season clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, is already back on the practice field.
Sharing a video on social media, Mahomes could be seen throwing passes and performing dropbacks, demonstrating his determination to return stronger than ever.
Mahomes wrote on his Instagram Story caption: “Day by day! Great being able to throw the ball around today!”
This display of progress has sparked hope among Chiefs fans that he could be ready for the opening week of the 2026 NFL season.
Recovery from a torn ACL and LCL is no small feat, and medical experts caution that it can take longer than a standard ACL tear.
With that in mind, head coach Andy Reid already has a contingency plan in place should Mahomes not complete his rehabilitation period in time for the first fixture.
After releasing Gardner Minshew, ex-New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields has been signed as backup on a short-term contract.
The 2025 campaign was a difficult one for Kansas City. After suffering a heavy defeat in Super Bowl 59, the team struggled to regain its footing and finished with a 6-11 record.
Losing Mahomes to injury late in the season compounded the disappointment for Reid and the squad.
The quarterback’s absence was felt keenly on the field, highlighting just how central Mahomes is to the team’s success.
Nevertheless, Mahomes‘s early return to throwing drills signals a positive trajectory, giving the Chiefs reason to believe he could be ready for Week 1, slated for the second weekend of September 2026.
Fans will be watching closely, hoping that he can lead the team against their first opponent of the season. But there will be caution exercised to ensure he doesn’t suffer a setback.
But after a miserable six months or so, Mahomes‘s latest update has reinvigorated the fanbase and reignited excitement for the com
ing season.Will the Chiefs contend for the Super Bowl?
The Chiefs roster is also shaping up for a strong comeback.
With Travis Kelce returning for his 14th season and the addition of rising star Kenneth Walker III, the team is beginning to resemble a Super Bowl contender once more.
The sooner Mahomes returns, the faster the Chiefs can regain their competitive edge and contend for a championship in 2026.
If he can maintain this progress, there’s every reason to expect that the Chiefs will enter Week 1 with their MVP-caliber quarterback back under center, ready to lead the team to another championship run.
With determination, skill, and a strong supporting cast, Mahomes‘s journey back from injury is one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2026 NFL season.
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