Chiefs say Mahomes on track for season opener

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is progressing steadily in his recovery from a significant knee injury, with the team and player increasingly optimistic he will be ready to start the regular season opener on September 14. Head coach Andy Reid provided the latest update as the team concluded its mandatory minicamp on Thursday, expressing confidence that Mahomes is on course to participate in training camp next month.

Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in a mid-December loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and underwent surgery the following day. The initial recovery timeline was estimated at seven to 11 months, placing his potential return around the start of the 2026 season. Throughout the Chiefs' offseason program, Mahomes has participated in individual drills, install sessions, and 7-on-7 periods, though the team has held him out of 11-on-11 team drills as a precaution.

Reid noted that Mahomes was excused from the team's traditional running test to conclude minicamp but said the quarterback likely could have completed it. The coach praised Mahomes's dedication to his rehabilitation, which has been conducted in Kansas City under the supervision of head physical...