Chiefs HC Andy Reid Optimistic About Mahomes' Recovery

Reid says Mahomes is making good progress but won't commit to Week 1 return

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:08pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes that deconstruct a quarterback's throwing motion, conveying the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of professional football.A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's throwing motion captures the dynamic energy and fragmented perspectives of the modern NFL game.Today in Pittsburgh

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told NFL reporter Judy Battista that quarterback Patrick Mahomes is doing great in his recovery from offseason surgery, but Reid stopped short of committing to Mahomes being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. The Chiefs acquired Justin Fields from the New York Jets as insurance in case Mahomes needs more time to fully recover.

Why it matters

The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in 11 years, and their ability to return to contention hinges heavily on the health and availability of star QB Patrick Mahomes. Reid's comments indicate the team is taking a cautious approach with Mahomes' recovery, while also securing a capable backup plan in Justin Fields.

The details

Mahomes is targeting a Week 1 return after undergoing surgery to repair his ACL and LCL, and he has been putting in extensive work in the Chiefs' facility. However, Reid said he won't commit to an exact timeline for Mahomes' return, wanting to see how his progress continues. The Chiefs traded for Justin Fields from the Jets to serve as a contingency plan in case Mahomes needs more time to fully recover.

  • Mahomes had surgery to repair his ACL and LCL roughly three months ago.
  • Mahomes recently posted a video of himself throwing, indicating his progress.

The players

Andy Reid

Head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes

Two-time NFL MVP quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who is recovering from offseason surgery.

Justin Fields

Quarterback acquired by the Chiefs from the New York Jets to serve as a backup plan in case Mahomes is not ready for Week 1.

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What they’re saying

“He's doing great. He spends a ton of time in the building. ... He's in there for seven hours a day. It's showing, the progress. Now, to tell you a timeline? I mean, I know what he's striving for. We'll just see where it goes from there.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

“Well, we snuck out and got a good quarterback to back him up. So, if he doesn't, you know, if he's not able to make it for the beginning of the season, then we know we've got a legitimate backup there that can go win games for us.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue to monitor Mahomes' progress and recovery, with the goal of having him ready for Week 1. If Mahomes needs more time, the team is confident in Justin Fields' ability to step in and lead the offense.

The takeaway

The Chiefs are taking a cautious approach with Mahomes' recovery, prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back for the start of the season. By acquiring Justin Fields as a capable backup plan, the team has positioned itself to remain competitive even if Mahomes is not fully ready for Week 1.