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The Kansas City Chiefs are continuing to monitor Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL and LCL, and general manager Brett Veach says the biggest challenge may not be the injury itself—but managing the quarterback’s return.

Mahomes suffered the injury in Week 15 of the 2025 season and underwent surgery the following day. While the initial recovery timeline was set at nine to 12 months, recent updates suggest the quarterback is progressing ahead of schedule.

Brett Veach Shares Update on Patrick Mahomes Recovery

Speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Veach said Mahomes has exceeded expectations during rehab and remains actively involved with the team.

“I think it wouldn’t surprise you guys, the way it’s been really inspiring just to see,” Veach said. “This guy has been in the building… he’s in our building every single day.”

Veach added that Mahomes has remained committed even when away from the facility.

“Even when he goes away for a few days, say, to Dallas for a weekend with his family, he takes one of our trainers with him,” Veach said.

Because of that progress, Veach said the team’s focus may shift to managing Mahomes’ workload.

“The biggest challenge that we’re going to have is protecting him from himself,” Veach said. “I’m sure when we get to St. Joseph, Missouri, for training camp, he’s gonna want to be full go, but we are going to have to hold him back a little.”

Veach did not provide a firm timetable for Mahomes’ return but said, “We are in a really good place right now.”

Andy Reid Provides QB1 OTA Outlook

Head coach Andy Reid also addressed Mahomes’ recovery, noting the quarterback could participate in offseason activities in a limited role.

“He is in a good position to be able to do some things,” Reid said, according to ESPN’s Nate Taylor. “If he can do some things, [he’ll do it].”

Reid explained that the structure of Organized Team Activities could allow Mahomes to take part without full contact.

“Phase 2, remember, there’s no contact and there’s no offense versus defense,” Reid said. “He’s in a position where he can do everything, I think.”

OTAs are scheduled for May 26-28, with mandatory minicamp set for June 9-11.

Patrick Mahomes Rehab Progress Tracks Toward Season Return

Earlier reports have also pointed to a positive recovery timeline. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in March that Mahomes was making strong progress.

“He’s already made great progress from that torn ACL injury,” Schefter said on “SportsCenter.” “He certainly is tracking to be ready for the start of the regular season.”

Schefter added that returning for the 2026 opener remains Mahomes’ goal.

“That’s going to be his goal. He’s going to do everything he can to be back out there,” Schefter said.

Reid echoed that sentiment in a previous update, saying Mahomes was “doing great” and spending extended time at the team facility.

Mahomes appeared in 14 games during the 2025 season, recording 3,587 passing yards and 22 touchdowns before the injury.

Quarterback Justin Fields is among the options available to step in if needed. Fields is coming off a disappointing season with the New York Jets and joins Kansas City as a potential backup option. Just a few decent starts could be exactly what Fields needs to breathe life back into his career.