Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to Patrick Mahomes' availability for the season opener. While the star quarterback has expressed strong optimism about his recovery from a torn ACL, Reid is not ready to commit to any timeline.
Mahomes, who suffered the injury at the end of the 2025 NFL season, has been progressing well in his rehab. He recently told reporters that he is "extremely confident" he will be under center when the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, September 14. "We're trending (in) that direction," Mahomes said, per KSHB 41's Tod Palmer.
The three-time Super Bowl champion has been participating in nearly all drills during training camp and feels his athleticism is returning. "I feel great. I'm getting more and more athletic every single time I'm on the football field, and that's all you can ask for," Mahomes added.
However, Reid remains cautious. When asked about Mahomes' status, the veteran coach said, "He's doing great. 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."
Reid's conservative approach is understandable given the severity of the injury and the importance of Mahomes to the team's Super Bowl aspirations. The Chiefs have been relying on backup quarterbacks during preseason, and Reid praised their performance: "These other guys are playing quarterback and doing a nice job with it."
Mahomes, meanwhile, remains hopeful but realistic. "We'll see if I get to play then," he said. "If not, I'm going to be ready to go for that first game of the year, God willing."
The Chiefs' season opener against the Broncos is still a few weeks away, giving Mahomes more time to prove his readiness. The team's medical staff will have the final say, but Reid insists the decision will be a collaborative one.
While the focus remains on Mahomes' health, the Chiefs have other storylines to watch, including a 59-yard field goal from Harrison Butker that silenced critics in a preseason win. Additionally, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has returned to the sideline after his wife's recovery from a shooting.
For now, Chiefs fans will have to wait and see whether Mahomes gets the green light. As Reid says, there are "no predictions" — just a daily evaluation of progress.
