Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes(Image via Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes is closing in on his long-awaited return, and the Kansas City Chiefs are increasingly confident their star quarterback will be ready when Week 1 arrives. Travis Kelce has offered an encouraging glimpse into Mahomes’ preparation and mindset While questions remain about how he will handle his first competitive game after major knee surgery. Andy Reid’s latest update has added even more confidence around the quarterback’s comeback.
“We’re excited that he’s going to be out there rocking with us on Week 1, in terms of his ability to move around and stuff like that. Kansas City will therefore be watching more than just whether Mahomes can take the field.
The coach said there is a “very good chance” Mahomes will play, provided nothing unexpected happens before the game. Mahomes has spent months working his way back after suffering ACL and LCL tears in his left knee during the Chiefs’ December loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury ended his season and forced Kansas City to navigate the final stretch without its most important player. He’s a competitor, man. And he only knows one way to play the game. When that ball snaps, I expect to just see Patty Mahomes out there playing football. Reid has also provided an important update as the Chiefs prepare for their opener against the Denver Broncos. “He hasn’t missed a day. You guys have seen him out there, so you know what it looks like him running around and doing his stuff. Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. He’s running around the same way he’s always done and throwing the ball like he’s always done. I think we’ll be fine there. Still, the first real test will come under game conditions. A competitive NFL game brings pressure and contact that practice cannot fully recreate. For now, though, the signs are encouraging. Mahomes has completed the most important part of his recovery. The next step is proving that he can translate months of preparation into his familiar game-day performance.