A 6–11 record, missed playoffs for the first time in over a decade, and a roster that looked oddly human after years of dominance turned the Kansas City Chiefs from a perennial contender into one of the biggest question marks entering 2026.
Patrick Mahomes remained the cornerstone of the franchise, but even he couldn’t outrun what happened in Week 15, suffering a torn ACL and LCL that ended his season and, in many ways, Kansas City’s identity.
Surgery came soon after, and the early expectation across the NFL was cautious at best. Multi-ligament knee injuries typically come with a long runway, and the assumption was that the 2026 NFL season might begin without Mahomes under center.
The Chiefs further backed that sentiment by adding former first-round pick Justin Fields, whom head coach Andy Reid has already endorsed as a viable Week 1 starter.
However, general manager Brett Veach just delivered a new update that should have the rest of the league terrified.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Veach revealed that Mahomes “attacked” rehab, logging full days at the facility and even traveling with team medical staff to stay on schedule.
More importantly, Veach indicated Mahomes is ahead of schedule, suddenly putting a Week 1 return squarely in play.
“He is in this building from seven to three to four o’clock every single day. If he goes back to Texas for a few days, he takes one of our assistant trainers with him,” Veach said. “Obviously, because of that hard work, I think he’s pretty far ahead of schedule.
“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but [he’s] such a motivating presence and an example to the building on how to approach it every day like a true professional … I’m excited for him to get back out there.”
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A typical ACL tear recovery, especially with additional ligament damage like an LCL, falls in the 9–12 month range, with football readiness often landing closer to the latter end due to cutting, contact, and confidence factors.
Early projections after Mahomes’ December surgery suggested he might miss the start of the 2026 season or, at best, return in limited form.
But the latest reporting has seemingly shifted that window.
There was already growing belief inside league circles that Mahomes could participate in offseason work and potentially be ready, or very close to it, by Week 1.
Veach’s latest comments suggest that scenario is starting to look increasingly realistic.
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Star tight end Travis Kelce is set to return for a 13th season, and the Chiefs will get back a healthy Xavier Worthy, who missed multiple games last year, as well as a full season with Rashee Rice, who was suspended for the first six games of the season.
Add in Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, who Kansas City just signed this offseason, All-American rookie running back Emmett Johnson, and a healthy offensive line, and the offense already had enough to keep other teams on their toes.
If Mahomes is under center by Week 1 as well, the Chiefs could immediately reclaim their spot atop the AFC.
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