Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs' star, recently gave fans a reason to believe that his return may come sooner than expected. As the NFL offseason continues, Mahomes' recovery progress has become one of the league's biggest storylines.

After going through the devastating ACL and LCL injury late last season, Mahomes has spent months in rehabilitation with the same intensity he brings to Sundays. With the Chiefs scheduled to open the season against the Denver Broncos, concerns surrounding his availability continue to grow stronger.

"That's always going to be the goal," Mahomes said during his Thursday news conference, according to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk.

"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."

While Mahomes participated in the 7-on-7 work during OTAs, he couldn't guarantee that he could play in Week 1.

"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."

Despite the setback, Mahomes stayed involved with the team throughout the offseason. Videos released by Kansas City showed the quarterback back on the practice field, spreading positivity that he could make it against Denver in September.

The Chiefs also added QB depth by adding Justin Fields, ensuring the team has protection just in case Mahomes needs additional recovery time.

Mahomes holds an all-time career win-loss record of 112-35, including a 95-31 record in the regular season and a 17-4 record in the postseason, resulting in three Super Bowl championships.

With the Chiefs looking to make a comeback after a disappointing 2025 season, having their star QB remains the biggest priority entering training camp. If Mahomes manages to do so, he will be facing the Broncos' elite quarterbacks in Week 1.

Broncos face brutal QB competition as Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen head 2026 schedule

The Broncos are set for one of the NFL's toughest quarterback tests in 2026, with star QBs appearing on the schedule, as per Denver Broncos Football. Some are mentioned below.

In Week 1, in Denver's match against the KCC, QB Mahomes could make his first appearance since his injury last season.

In Week 2, the Broncos will face Trevor Lawrence, who led the Jaguars to a 13-4 record in 2025 and threw 15 touchdowns and just one interception.

In Week 4, Denver will be against Brock Purdy, the QB who threw 20 touchdown passes and led the 49ers to a Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, coach Sean Payton does not plan to change the distribution of practice reps. Bo Nix, QB1, will take the majority of first-team snaps despite returning from injury. Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will fight for the QB2 during the OTAs.

What are your views on Patrick Mahomes' statement? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason