Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is fully cleared to participate in all aspects of training camp practice, head coach Andy Reid announced as the team opened camp in St. Joseph, Missouri. The update comes as a major boost for a franchise looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season that ended with a playoff miss and Mahomes sidelined by a torn left ACL and LCL.
Mahomes, recovering from the mid-December injury sustained against the Los Angeles Chargers, received clearance from surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper and the team’s medical staff. Reid confirmed the three-time Super Bowl champion can take part in every period of practice, though the coach stressed a day-by-day approach with close monitoring by coaches, trainers, and doctors.
Mahomes Reflects on Running Too Much in 2025
Speaking to reporters at the start of camp, Mahomes offered a candid self-assessment of his 2025 performance. The star quarterback admitted he relied on his legs more than he preferred before the injury ended his season.
“I think I ran a little bit too much last season,” Mahomes said. He indicated he plans to be smarter with his decision-making this year, focusing more on navigating the pocket, operating the offense efficiently, and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers.
The admission aligns with broader comments about refining his game after the setback. Mahomes has emphasized feeling stronger than ever from his rehab work and expressed excitement about returning to the practice field with teammates after months of intensive recovery in Kansas City.
Handing Off to K9: Trust in Kenneth Walker
Mahomes paired his reflection with a lighthearted but telling nod to the Chiefs’ upgraded running game. “If all else fails, I’ll just hand it off to K9 and let him go to work,” he said, referring to newly signed running back Kenneth Walker III.
Walker, the Super Bowl LX MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, signed a three-year deal with Kansas City in free agency. The move addresses a long-standing Chiefs weakness: the lack of a consistent 1,000-yard rusher and explosive run game. Mahomes had previously praised Walker’s work ethic, versatility as a runner and receiver, and mindset during OTAs, noting the back’s eagerness to learn and contribute.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and the coaching staff have highlighted plans to establish the run early and tailor schemes around Walker’s strengths, while emphasizing pass protection to better safeguard Mahomes.
Implications for the 2026 Chiefs Season
Mahomes’ full clearance and measured approach signal optimism heading into the regular season. The Chiefs open against the Denver Broncos on September 14, and both Mahomes and Reid have expressed hope of a Week 1 return, though they refuse to lock in predictions.
A healthier Mahomes who runs more selectively, combined with a dynamic back like Walker (nicknamed K9), could transform an offense that struggled at times in 2025. The addition of Walker also brings receiving skills and pass-protection focus that should help keep the quarterback upright.
As training camp progresses, all eyes will remain on Mahomes’ workload and how quickly the chemistry develops between the future Hall of Fame quarterback and his new featured runner. For Chiefs fans, the early signals from camp point to a more balanced attack and a star player determined to reclaim peak form after a challenging year.
Mahomes is back on the field. The next step is showing how the refined version of his game—and the support of Kenneth Walker—translates into wins.