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Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes could be on track to return to the field sooner than expected.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach told SiriusXM Monday morning that Mahomes’ rehabilitation is well ahead of schedule. This significant progress places Mahomes in position to potentially participate in portions of the team’s offseason training program if his recovery continues without setbacks.
“It’s way ahead of schedule,” Veach said. “I think the biggest challenge we’re going to face is protecting [Mahomes] against himself because I’m sure when we get to St. Joseph, Missouri, for training camp, he’ll want to be all in. “
Mahomes is recovering from torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, which he suffered last December in the Chiefs’ Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Although the typical recovery time is nine to 12 months, his current progress puts him on track to potentially return to training camp, if not sooner.
“It’s been really inspiring,” Veach said. “I’ve been there with Pat before when he had that dislocated knee and took his tail off to come back in three weeks. I knew that bump in the road wouldn’t slow him down at all.”
Even with Mahomes seemingly ahead of schedule, Veach has focused on protecting himself throughout the rehab process. Although his return to the field would provide a boost, the team remains focused on taking a cautious, long-term approach rather than rushing his return.
“We’re going to have to hold him back a little bit,” Veach said. “I don’t want to impose a timetable, but I think you know the type of person and competitor Pat [Mahomes] East. I would just say we’re in a pretty good place right now.
Although the organization remains committed to a cautious schedule, Mahomes’ rapid recovery is quickly making a return to training camp a realistic possibility. The focus now is less on the knee itself and more on managing its competitive spirit to ensure it is completely cleared before returning.
