Patrick Mahomes has already returned to throwing footballs and attending team activities, but inside NFL circles, concern about his recovery has not disappeared. As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for a crucial 2026 season, one former NFL doctor believes the superstar quarterback may still be far from full strength when Week 1 arrives.
The Chiefs desperately need Mahomes healthy after a disastrous 2025 campaign ended without a playoff appearance. Kansas City’s offense looked lost after the quarterback suffered a devastating ACL and LCL tear in December. Now, with a season-opening showdown against the Denver Broncos approaching, questions about Mahomes’ mobility and readiness are growing louder.
Patrick Mahomes Injury Recovery Raises Concern Before Broncos Opener
Former NFL physician David J. Chao, widely known online as “ProFootballDoc,” delivered a blunt assessment of Mahomes’ condition this week. Chao, who previously served as the San Diego Chargers’ head team physician, believes expectations surrounding the quarterback’s recovery may be unrealistic.
“There is no way Mahomes will be 100% healthy by Week 1,” Chao said.
The medical analyst also warned fans not to expect the same explosive version of Mahomes immediately after his return. According to Chao, the Chiefs quarterback may still operate effectively as a passer while dealing with physical limitations that could affect his trademark style of play. “Patrick Mahomes Week 1 Update: Here are the 3 key points: 1. There is no way Mahomes will be 100% healthy by Week 1. 2. He will be able to throw from the pocket, but not be the mobile Mahomes we've known. 3. The Chiefs still don’t know if he’s starting Week 1.”
That timeline is difficult to ignore. Combined ACL and LCL injuries often require nine to twelve months of recovery, and Kansas City’s opener against Denver falls almost exactly at the nine-month mark.
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Remains Careful with Patrick Mahomes Update
Despite the concern, the Chiefs continue to project optimism publicly. Head coach Andy Reid recently praised Mahomes’ commitment to rehabilitation and revealed the quarterback has stayed fully engaged throughout the recovery process.
“Everybody's different, right? So let's just take it day by day,” he said.
Mahomes has already posted videos of himself throwing and appeared comfortable during a charity golf outing, where fans noticed him placing weight on the repaired knee without visible discomfort. Those clips quickly fueled hope among Chiefs supporters eager to see their franchise star back under center.
Still, Kansas City cannot afford another setback. The Broncos now sit atop the AFC West after ending the Chiefs’ long reign over the division last season. Denver’s aggressive defense has consistently pressured Mahomes better than most teams in the conference, making his health one of the NFL’s biggest storylines heading into September.
Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
About the Author: Barsha Dutta has been covering the NFL since 2024, bringing a fresh and engaging perspective to the game. With a Master's in Literature, she blends passion with insight, making football stories both relatable and exciting for readers. When she’s not writing about the gridiron, Barsha enjoys tending to her garden and immersing herself in the world of K-pop. She also occasionally covers entertainment and pop culture news. With her unique mix of interests, she connects sports fans to the NFL in a way that feels both personal and vibrant.
