The last time Kansas City Chiefs fans saw Patrick Mahomes on an NFL field, he was limping off with a season-ending knee injury. Now, as he ramps up preparations for training camp, the big question is whether he'll be under center for the season opener against the Denver Broncos.
Speaking to the media Thursday, Mahomes was asked directly if playing in Week 1 is his goal. His answer was quick and emphatic: yes. But he also made it clear that he's not looking too far ahead.
“That’s always going to be the goal,” Mahomes said. “I don’t want to miss games. I mean, as a competitor, as a football player, I want to be there. I know it’s still a long ways away. I can’t predict the future. So, all I can do is be great today and then continue to be great tomorrow.”
The superstar quarterback stressed that his focus remains on daily progress. “The goal at the end — the very far end — is to be ready and to able to go out there and play with the guys Week 1 at Arrowhead. But I’ve got to take it day by day.”
Mahomes' determination is nothing new. He's been pushing hard in rehab, and head coach Andy Reid has noticed. “I like what I’ve seen,” Reid said. “This is good for him, getting out there and throwing — it’s good rehab, continued rehab, so he keeps a feel with the receivers. He’s doing partial practice. But it’s important. It’s important to keep his timing up.”
Reid also highlighted Mahomes' work ethic. “He’s busted his tail to put himself in this position. Most guys wouldn’t be able to do this. But he’s put himself in that position. I know we’ve had good communication with the doctors, and they keep a close eye on it — what’s real and what’s not real. And then we listen to them.”
Mahomes echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the uncertainty of recovery. “Yeah, I mean, I wanted to play. I don’t want to miss games as much as possible. I know it’s not in my control. It’s in God’s control at some point. But I’m going to give myself a chance by the way I work to be the best I can be.”
He added, “I’m in a good spot now compared to where some people thought [I might be]. But I thought I was going to be here. So, it’s just doing what I’m supposed to be doing every single day. And hopefully, that gives me the chance to be out there with the guys whenever we start the season.”
The Chiefs have been careful with Mahomes' recovery, but recent practice footage from OTAs has only fueled optimism. Fans are already buzzing about his potential return to form.
Whether Mahomes will be the same dominant force that has terrorized defenses for years remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: he's doing everything in his power to be on the field when the Chiefs kick off the season at Arrowhead. We'll find out in just over three months.
