RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes continues to watch the preseason from the sideline, with the team yet to confirm his return status despite the 30-year-old QB’s upcoming plans.
Mahomes tore his ACL in Week 15 of the 2025-26 NFL season, killing what were already dim postseason hopes for the three-time champions in the 2020s.
After an intensive rehab process and a huge 2026 season ahead, Mahomes does not want to miss any more time despite the sensitive nature of an ACL repair.
Patrick Mahomes wants the Chiefs to clear him for one preseason game
During the live local TV broadcast of the Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason game, Mahomes was interviewed by former Chiefs QB Trent Green and revealed the status of his return.
“I feel great. I’m getting more and more athletic. I really wanted to play, but they would not let me. I’ll be trying to play next week, but at the end of the day it’s up to Coach Reid. I’m going to be ready to go for that 1st game of the year, God willing.”
Mahomes has been on track for a Week 1 return during training camp, with Coach Andy Reid describing a preseason return as unlikely for his star QB.
The Chiefs’ preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks next week is their final preseason game, after which they will face the Denver Broncos for their Week 1 season opener.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Mahomes went 315/502 on passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, an 89.6 passer rating, while getting sacked 34 times. He attempted 64 rushing carries for 422 yards and 5 touchdowns last season as the Chiefs QB.
While Mahomes’ injury killed their playoff hopes, they were on the verge of elimination anyway when Mahomes went down. It was a below-average year for the former MVP in every category except rushing, which might be the most affected skill for him coming off his injury.
Patrick Mahomes eyeing a comeback season
It’s hard to imagine a reality where Mahomes is coming into a season with something to prove after his prolific career, especially over the last six seasons. But the 2025 season ended as badly as it could have.
Mahomes’ statistical regression and the Chiefs’ collapse from Super Bowl favorites to missing the postseason have many assuming their reign as the NFL’s powerhouse is over.
Mahomes needs to lead the charge in making them contenders again, primarily by improving his passing accuracy and proving his knee can handle the stresses of being the QB1 on a contender.
The Chiefs don’t have an elite backup option either, so staying healthy and productive are a must for Mahomes. Just doing that might help the Chiefs rise back up.
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