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From knee brace to week 1? Patrick Mahomes’ OTA return has Chiefs racing the clock
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- From knee brace to week 1? Patrick Mahomes’ OTA return has Chiefs racing the clock
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Six months after suffering a double ligament tear in his knee, Patrick Mahomes was back on the practice field, taking part in Chiefs OTAs with a brace and throwing passes during 7-on-7 drills. He's been clear about his aim: to be fully fit and unrestricted by the time Week 1 rolls around.
Mahomes took part in the Chiefs' OTA session while wearing a brace on his left knee as he recovers from surgery last December to repair both his ACL and LCL. He's made no secret of what he wants: "I want to be ready for Week 1 and have no restrictions," while the team remains hopeful that he'll be ready to go by then.
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Mahomes suffered the injury during a Week 15 defeat to the Chargers, a result that officially knocked Kansas City out of playoff contention.
The Chiefs ended up finishing the season 6-11, marking their first postseason absence since Mahomes took over as starter – a remarkable fall for a team so accustomed to playing deep into January.
But this return goes beyond just his recovery; it's about finding out whether the Chiefs' run of dominance is on hold or finished for good.
Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images
Why health isn't the only concern
Health is just one part of the equation. Former receiver Steve Smith Sr. has raised doubts about Mahomes' supporting cast, a concern that isn't surprising given the team's recent struggles.
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Kansas City spent the offseason making changes, including bringing back cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to bolster a younger secondary. The hope is that a healthy Mahomes and an improved lineup can put them back in the mix.
The sight of Mahomes throwing during OTAs is a positive step, but the bigger hurdles will come later. Training camp, with its increased physicality, will provide a clearer picture of where he stands.
If Mahomes is ready to go by the season opener, Kansas City could quickly regain its footing in the AFC race. But if his recovery drags on into September, last year's struggles might start to look more like a pattern than an anomaly.
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