RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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As long as the NFL sees Patrick Mahomes as the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, they will always be a contender. Even in a season when it is unclear when he will return, his presence looms over the league as an inevitable challenge on the horizon.
Mahomes has, to this point, made great progress in his ACL recovery. However, you can’t help but wonder if he will shock the world again and be ready for Week 1. It feels like momentum is building in that direction, but his head coach isn’t willing to make any guarantees.
Andy Reid spoke to the media and, when asked about Mahomes’ possible return, he didn’t lean one way or the other.
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“We’ll just see. I’m literally taking it day by day. There are no predictions here on anything. But if the doctors and the trainers and everybody that are involved with this give him an OK — and then most of all, if he feels like he can, then we’ll address that when we get there. But other than that, these other guys are playing quarterback and doing a nice job with it.” Reid said via Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star.
Mahomes returning from Doomsday
Aug 15, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks Justin Fields (6) and Patrick Mahomes (15) warm up prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams at at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Mahomes’ 2025 season ended in brutal fashion when he tore his ACL. This created a doomsday scenario for a Chiefs team that had grown accustomed to having its superstar quarterback available when it mattered most.
Now, Mahomes is working his way back, and the possibility of seeing him on the field in week one would be nothing short of heroic. Like an Avenger making a last-second return, Mahomes could potentially put himself in position to take the field far earlier than many expected.
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Nothing is guaranteed, though, and the Chiefs cannot afford to rush their franchise quarterback. Kansas City has to prioritize his long-term health over one game, even if that game happens to be the season opener.
Aug 15, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on field against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the pre season game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Still, it is difficult to overstate how important Mahomes is to this team. He is the heart and soul of the Chiefs. Having him under center gives Kansas City a chance to compete with anyone in the NFL. If he is healthy enough to play, his return could immediately change the trajectory of the team’s season.
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