Patrick Mahomes gets encouraging training camp outlook from SI's Albert Breer

KC Kingdom · Jul 21, 2026 16:30 · 3 min read

Patrick Mahomes gets encouraging training camp outlook from SI's Albert Breer — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite just seven months removed from a torn ACL surgery, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for Patrick Mahomes to be ready to go for training camp.

It is easy for even Kansas City Chiefs fans to take the greatness of Patrick Mahomes for granted in every phase of the game. This includes the ferocity with which the signal-caller rehabs and works his way back from injury. This hasn't changed despite an ACL tear that could've easily cost the quarterback time to begin the 2026 season. Instead, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the quarterback is nearing being fully cleared.

“There’s an expectation among Chiefs people that Mahomes will be fully cleared this week, and also the knowledge that when they tell him he can go, he will really go. So the plan is to be smart with it, and make sure everyone is doing what’s going to put him in the best position to be at his best from September through February, not just ready for Week 1.”Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

While everybody's body composition is different, it's noteworthy that both Mahomes and star pass rusher Micah Parsons tore their ACLs on the exact same day. The KC quarterback is eyeing a Week 1 return, while it appears the Green Bay Packers will ease Parsons back into the rotation in the second half of the season.

Mahomes is coming off a 2025 season with only 3,587 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, both career lows discounting his rookie season. These are small numbers by the veteran's lofty standards and speak to a lack of offensive balance and a poor supporting cast. These are issues that Kansas City fans hope that the franchise has answered in the offseason.

Chiefs are gearing up for Mahomes to be a full-go through training camp

With this in mind, there is a new sense of excitement around Mahomes and the fact that he could be fully cleared by training camp. Coming off an injury that did have his early-season status in question earlier in the offseason doesn't just soothe fan concerns but speaks to the ferocity at which he's worked his way back to near full strength.

A lot of credit is due here to the greatness of an athlete completely focused on his rehab and getting back to the field as soon as possible. Whether it was the timing of the surgery or looking to attack rehab, there is simply no questioning the effort and focus put into this update and a return that gives Kansas City a chance to start the season hot.

Having Mahomes in Week 1 is incredibly important, facing a Denver Broncos team coming off an AFC West title. The Chiefs have a chance to set the tone and erase the confidence of an organization that went 2-0 against Kansas City a season ago.

Mahomes having the benefit of being cleared in training camp and taking full reps gives the Chiefs their best chance to accomplish this and pile up early-season wins. No question, it seems everything is rolling the Chiefs' way as training camp finally gets underway and the most important cog in the machine looks poised to make his return.