Why Counting Out Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs is a Huge Mistake

For the first time in nine years, an NFL postseason took place without Patrick Mahomes.

When the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, it brought a crushing end to a nightmare 2025 campaign. The Chiefs missed the playoffs, watched their AFC West rival Denver Broncos claim the division crown, and entered an offseason filled with unfamiliar silence.

Predictably, the NFL world did what it always does when a titan stumbles: they started writing the obituary. Critics questioned if the Chiefs’ dynasty was officially dead, if Andy Reid’s system was growing stale, and whether a 30-year-old quarterback coming off major knee surgery could ever recapture his transcendent magic.

Those doubts took a massive hit on Friday when coach Andy Reid officially announced that Patrick Mahomes has been fully cleared with no limitations to start 2026 training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri.

“I Feel Amazing”: The Green Light

Just seven months after undergoing surgery in Dallas performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, Mahomes met every benchmark required for a full return. While he participated in limited 7-on-7 drills during June minicamp, Friday’s clearance lifts all restrictions, allowing him to take full 11-on-11 snaps as camp begins.

“It was always the goal to be able to practice when we got to training camp, so we kind of hit that next step. … I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt as far as strength and lifting weights. I feel amazing.”

— Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes spent his entire spring working out at the Chiefs’ facility in Kansas City rather than taking his usual offseason break in Texas. Pushing through grueling daily rehab alongside former veterans and athletic trainers, his focus was singular: ensure he is under center when Kansas City hosts the Broncos on Monday Night Football for Week 1.

What Happened in 2025?

To understand why the Chiefs are so motivated for 2026, you have to look at how rock-bottom felt in 2025.

Offensive miscommunication, receiver drops, and inconsistent protection plagued Kansas City throughout the fall. When Mahomes went down in December, the Chiefs weren’t just knocked out of contention—they were humbled.

Why Counting Out Kansas City is Premature

Football fans have short memories. It only took one down year for analysts to crown the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and new-look New England Patriots as the new order of the AFC.

Counting out Kansas City in 2026, however, ignores a few critical realities:

A Re-Energized Mahomes: The last time Mahomes played with a true chip on his shoulder, Kansas City won back-to-back Super Bowls. Nothing fuels a hyper-competitive superstar quite like being written off while watching the playoffs from his living room.

Schematic Adjustments: Andy Reid and the front office spent the spring auditing an offense that struggled in 2025. With a full offseason to rethink their passing concepts and protect their quarterback, expect a far more dynamic scheme built around quick-strike passing and play-action depth.

Defensive Baseline: Steve Spagnuolo’s defense remains one of the most reliable units in football. With a rested defense and a healthy quarterback, Kansas City doesn’t need to score 40 points a week to win games.

2026 Outlook: Can They Find the Magic Again?

The road back to the top won’t be a stroll in the park. The AFC West is vastly improved, and the conference as a whole is deeper than ever.

However, medical clearance for training camp removes the single biggest cloud hanging over the franchise. Mahomes plans to wear a protective brace on his left knee during camp to get comfortable, but physically, he enters the season without physical restrictions.

If Kansas City manages his reps wisely through August, there is every reason to believe the Chiefs will not only return to the playoffs in 2026—they will enter January as one of the favorite contenders for the Lombardi Trophy.

The rest of the NFL enjoyed its year without Patrick Mahomes in the postseason. If Friday’s news out of St. Joseph proved anything, it’s that the hiatus is officially over.