Patrick Mahomes gets candid about ambitious ‘goal’ in Chiefs injury recovery

Consider Patrick Mahomes an optimist regarding his injury timeline. 

Despite suffering a torn ACL in a Week 15 loss to the Chargers last season, the two-time NFL MVP said he’s on track to be ready for the Chiefs’ Week 1 game against the Broncos. 

“That’s my goal,” Mahomes told Yahoo Sports on Wednesday. “I’ve said that since the beginning is being ready to go Week 1. I can’t predict the future and I know that it’s a long process. It’s not just my decision, but at the same time I’m going to give the doctors and the coaches every single opportunity I can to let me be out there Week 1.

“I don’t want to miss that game [against the Broncos] because that’s the team that won the division while we were gone and you want to be out there and ready to go with your teammates.”

Mahomes also said he hopes his medical team and coaching staff will ultimately give him the “green light” for a Week 1 comeback.

Mahomes missed the final three games of 2025 with the injury, as the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. 

He was held out of full-team drills but has participated in offseason workouts. 

Mahomes said he missed being on the field with his teammates and that after the injury, it was time to move his focus to 2026. 

“After the season ended, it was just about getting back out there and try and do whatever I can to be able to participate in OTAs, which I did, and be ready to go for training camp,” Mahomes added. “I know it’s a long process, but you have these end goals. I’m just trying to achieve those end goals by dominating every single day.” 

“We’ve had a great recovery program going these last few months and we’re in a good spot. Now it’s just about trying to continue to do that so that I’m ready to go when the season comes around.” 

After going 0-3 without Mahomes in 2025, it’s safe to say the Chiefs need him back at full strength. 

Through eight years as a starter, Mahomes has thrown 267 touchdowns and over 35,000 yards, transforming the Chiefs into a dynasty with three Super Bowl wins and five overall appearances.