The Kansas City Chiefs watched their already tumultuous 2025 season go up in flames when superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL. Soon after he went down, the conversation surrounding the injury shifted to whether he would be ready to go for the start of the 2026 campaign.

While nothing is certain in early May, the three-time Super Bowl champion seems to be on the right track in his recovery.

With offseason workouts rapidly approaching, Andy Reid gave Chiefs fans a bit of good news regarding the quarterback’s progress. Per ESPN’s Nate Taylor, “Andy Reid said Saturday quarterback Patrick Mahomes is on track to participate alongside his teammates, even if it’s in a limited capacity.”

Patrick Mahomes could be on track to participate in OTAs after knee injury

The phrase “in a limited capacity” is key here. Reid isn’t suggesting that Mahomes will be fully recovered by the first practice, simply that he’ll be able to participate in some on-field activities.

Reid went on to tell the media, “He is in a good position to be able to do some things. If he can do some things, [he’ll do it]. Phase 2 [of the offseason program], remember, there’s no contact and there’s no offense versus defense. It’s Phase 3 that you get into that. … He’s in a position where he can do everything, I think.”

The head coach later said, “I know he’s doing a lot of stuff right now. He is throwing the ball. He does it on his own.”

While most of Reid’s update is jumbled coach speak, the thought that the quarterback could fully participate in team practices by the end of the season is encouraging.

If they’re going to compete for a Super Bowl again in the upcoming season, the Chiefs will need Mahomes back in peak shape. The debate between Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier can be intriguing in the offseason, but neither option would instill much confidence come September.

Of course, it’s important that Kansas City doesn’t rush Mahomes back onto the field. The worst possible outcome is that a premature return causes more long-term damage. There’s no need to risk the future of your franchise cornerstone for the sake of a few early games. But if Mahomes continues on the trajectory he’s currently showing, the Chiefs could have him back under center for the start of the 2026 season.