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The Kansas City Chiefs’ decade-long streak of playoff appearances came to an abrupt end in Week 15 last season after falling short at Arrowhead Stadium in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury trying to pick up some yards in the final minutes of the game.
At the time, the Chiefs said Mahomes would “begin his rehabilitation process immediately.” On Thursday, the two-time NFL MVP took a significant step forward, returning to the practice field for seven-on-seven drills and connecting with wide receiver Xavier Worthy for a touchdown pass.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes warms up before an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., on June 6, 2025. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)
“Come on, baby!” Mahomes yelled twice as he hopped toward the sideline in celebration, a knee brace serving as a reminder of his reconstructed knee. Thursday’s session marked the first practice of the week for the media to watch.
While the three-time Super Bowl champion participated in seven-on-seven drills, he did not participate in 11-on-11 work. Mahomes is about five months removed from a procedure to treat a torn ACL and LCL.
PATRICK MAHOMES THROWS FOOTBALL AGAIN THREE MONTHS AFTER ACL TEAR
“It was good to be back on the field with the guys, more than anything,” Mahomes said after Thursday’s organized team activities (OTA). “Some of those days you’re rehabbing, you’re here by yourself or with a couple of the other guys. You get such a juice when everybody gets back in the building. It was good to be out there.”
In January, Mahomes said he aimed to be ready for the Chiefs’ regular season opener in September. This week, he withdrew that goal.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs drives the ball past Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 7, 2025. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“That’s always going to be the 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 take a cautious approach with Mahomes this week, keeping the quarterback out of drills where there was a greater risk of accidental contact.
Regardless of the limited workload, Reid credited Mahomes for the months of work he’s put into reaching this stage of his recovery, saying the quarterback had “busted his tail” to get back on the practice field.
“I like what I’ve seen. He works hard,” Reid said. “It’s good for him — getting out there and throwing is good for him.”
While Mahomes has resumed throwing, he said he has yet to fully hit the ground running, describing it as the next phase of his recovery.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles 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 now compared to where some people thought, but I thought I’d be here,” Mahomes said of his progress. “It’s just doing what I have to do every single day and then hopefully it gives me the chance to be out there with the guys when we start the season.”
Mahomes said he doesn’t plan to change his style of play once he’s suited up, insisting he’ll still “put it on the line for my guys” when the moment calls for it.
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The Chiefs will host the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14 in the regular season opener for both teams.
“The goal at the end — the very far end — is to be ready to be able to go out there and play with the guys Week 1 at Arrowhead,” Mahomes added. “But I have to take it day by day.”
