Mahomes confident he’ll start Chiefs’ season opener after knee rehab

Patrick Mahomes told reporters he feels fit and has been able to train consistently since his ACL reconstruction on Dec. 14, keeping his goal of playing in the Chiefs’ first regular-season game. He explained that the rigorous camp schedule has helped his body respond positively, and he feels better the more he practices. Doctors originally gave him a nine-month timeline, which aligns with the start of the season, and Mahomes said that timeline guided his rehab.

Head coach Andy Reid said he cannot confirm Mahomes as the Week 1 starter yet, emphasizing that final approval rests with the medical staff and the quarterback’s own judgment. Reid added that other quarterbacks are handling their duties well in practice. Should Mahomes be held out, the team plans to start Justin Fields in the opening matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14.