Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn’t commit to a 2026 return time for quarterback Patrick Mahomes despite the three-time Super Bowl MVP is putting in seven hours a day of rehab from a torn ACL at the team’s facility. Reid spoke when asked about the quarterback at the NFL’s annual league meetings in Phoenix on Tuesday.
Barry Sanders on the Physical KC Defense
Despite leading the game, KC could not capitalize on an injured Barry Sanders, allowing the Lions to score 31 unanswered points. Bouncing back into his usual form after this game Sanders was quoted “He hurt me, that hurt, but basically, he was in the right place, he did the right thing”.Although KC allowed 31 unanswered points that day, the Lions did lose this game 15-31, and Barry Sanders and the Detroit Lions’ one game relationship with KC ended after the closing of the 1997 season.
The Injury
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL while trying to lead a comeback drive against the Los Angeles Chargers with two minutes remaining in the December 2025 game. The loss eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention for the first time since 2014, breaking a decade-long playoff streak. Dr. Dan Cooper conducted the surgery in Dallas. The normal recovery window for such an injury is nine months, putting a return at the edge of the 2026 NFL regular season opener.
Reid stays non-commital about the Mahomes return
Speaking to a reporter Reid was quite unsure when asked if Mahomes would play, saying, “If he’s good to go, he’ll go. If he’s not, then we’ll manage that. Everybody’s different. Everybody heals different, everybody’s injuries are a little bit different.”. Reid also said that whether Mahomes was “ahead of schedule”, saying, “Who makes the schedule?” — a quote which went viral on social media.
Reid replied on his quarterback readiness but didn’t commented on his character. “Every player is different. I will tell you, though, I would never bet against him. He’s always gonna put in the time and effort and always push it, but within reason, so he doesn’t take steps back. So far, it’s all been positive,” Reid said. An ESPN report indicated the Chiefs are optimistic Mahomes’ participation during the team’s voluntary offseason practices in May could be limited.
Mahomes’ Target
Through the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, Mahomes’ favorite target in terms of total targets was MVS. In week 1, Mahomes ranks 24th among all quarterbacks with 972 attempts. Via play action, he ranks 25th with 1,420 attempts and is also 25th with 97 attempts.
Mahomes’ recovery update
In January, Mahomes told reporters that his goal is to be ready for Week 1, saying doctors confirmed it is possible but that he can’t predict what happens throughout the process. The QB has already provided updates on social media confirming he has resumed throwing. A Sports Illustrated report, citing ACL recoveries among NFL quarterbacks, found that players who get surgery quickly and keep up with rehab regimens generally return to near-peak performance within 10 to 12 months. His most immediate competition, now that the Bears acquired Justin Fields, comes from backup Andy Dalton. The Bucs let Nick Foles know he’d be a backup.
Justin Fields as backup
After the season, the Chiefs traded for veteran QB Justin Fields from the New York Jets on March 16 to back up Mahomes and possibly start if he’s not ready. Reid explained the rationale “We snuck out and got a good quarterback to back him up. If he’s not able to make it for the beginning of the season, then we know we’ve got a legitimate backup there that can go win games for us”
By-Vidushi Mishra
