Overview
- The Chiefs’ medical staff and surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper cleared Mahomes Wednesday to fully participate in training camp after he tore his left ACL and LCL in December 2025 and had reconstructive surgery.
- Mahomes told reporters he feels stronger than ever and posted a clock emoji on X, but he also said the recovery "isn't over" and that it will be something he manages for years.
- Coaches and doctors will limit his contact in practice and are likely to hold him out of early preseason games to reduce reinjury risk and preserve his availability for the regular season.
- Kansas City added Justin Fields in the offseason to serve as an experienced insurance option while Mahomes’ reps and game-readiness are controlled.
- The clearance shortens the rehab timeline from the typical nine to 12 months and raises scrutiny over long-term health, with the Chiefs under pressure to rebound from a 6-11 2025 season and return to contender form.