Patrick Mahomes is on course to play some part in the first practice of the NFL offseason - a little over four months after the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback tore his ACL. Mahomes underwent surgery back in December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee that prematurely ended his 2025 season.
Mahomes Targets Early Return
The quarterback previously revealed he was targeting a sensational return to the field for Week 1 of the 2026 campaign in September. However, on Friday, head coach Andy Reid said Mahomes is on track to join his teammates for the Chiefs' first Organized Team Activities (OTAs) later this month.
The Chiefs are slated to begin voluntary offseason practice on May 26, 27 and 28. Reid said, per ESPN: 'He is in a good position to be able to do some things.' The head coach added: 'If he can do some things, [he will]. Phase 2 [of the Chiefs' offseason program], remember, there's no contact and there's no offense versus defense. It's Phase 3 that you get into that... he's in a position where he can do everything, I think.'
Progress in Rehabilitation
Reid revealed that Mahomes is already 'doing a lot of stuff' including 'throwing the ball... on his own.' According to ESPN, the 30-year-old has spent most of the past few months undergoing rehab at the Chiefs practice facility. He has reportedly been working with athletic trainer Julie Frymyer, who has helped the quarterback overcome previous injuries during his NFL career.
Mahomes detailed his progress back in March, when he posted a clip that showed him dropping back and throwing a pass. The three-time Super Bowl champion was then present for the start of the Chiefs' offseason program last month.
Injury and Offseason Moves
Mahomes damaged his left knee in the final minutes of a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that effectively eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention. He had surgery in Dallas with noted orthopedist Dr. Dan Cooper and later said his 'goal' was 'to play Week 1 and have no restrictions.'
Amid uncertainty over Mahomes' recovery, the Chiefs traded for ex-Jets quarterback Justin Fields and then drafted ex-LSU star Garrett Nussmeier. Kansas City sent the New York Jets a sixth-round pick in next year's draft for Fields. They also picked up $7 million of his guaranteed $10 million salary.
The 27-year-old Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal - with $30 million guaranteed - with the Jets last March, and he was the starter for most of the season until getting benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor in Week 12. Then, at the 2026 draft, general manager Brett Veach used the No. 249 pick to acquire LSU's Nussmeier in the seventh round.
Many considered the 24-year-old a first-round pick before last season, but he had to wait and watch nine other quarterbacks be selected before him. Nussmeier had a difficult final year with the Tigers in Baton Rouge. He struggled with injuries as LSU finished 7-6. During the NFL Combine, tests revealed a cyst on Nussmeier's spine was the cause of persistent oblique pain that ruined his season. He is now asymptomatic and doctors say there is no short or long-term risk to his health.
