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Patrick Mahomes II
QB · KC

Patrick Mahomes II

Position QB
Team KC
Bye Week 5
PPR Rank #98

Patrick Mahomes II

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: KC.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: KC (Kansas City Chiefs)
  • Bye week (2026): 5
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 98

2026 Outlook

Mahomes is entering his second season of recovery from ACL surgery. At first OTAs in late May, Mahomes showed positive signs of progress. He's been impressed with new RB Kenneth Walker III, noting Walker's complete skill set—"the way he's able to run the football, catch the football, do everything" — and his professionalism and hunger to learn the system. With Walker added to the backfield alongside Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs' offensive threats have multiplied, reducing Mahomes' individual workload and injury risk while improving efficiency. (per The one thing that you can't miss about new Kansas City Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker was on full display during the first week of OTAs)

On June 10, 2026, Mahomes agreed to a landmark contract extension that adds two years through 2033, bringing his total career contract value to $504.75 million—the first half-billion-dollar deal in NFL history. His new average annual salary of $64 million puts him back atop the league. This commitment from the Chiefs signals confidence in his recovery and long-term quarterback prospects. (per Chiefs rework Patrick Mahomes' contract as quarterback becomes NFL's first half a billion dollar player)

July 15 draft value reassessment: Sports Illustrated identifies Mahomes as a value at QB11 ADP92, his lowest draft position since his sophomore season. Last season (2025, pre-ACL injury) he set career highs in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns despite missing his final three games. Andy Reid's offense emphasized Mahomes' running ability to compensate for receiving weapons questions (Rashee Rice being a question mark, Travis Kelce aging). Fantasy value hinges on two factors: (1) ACL recovery risk—coming off knee injury scares some managers despite his insistence he'll be ready Week 1; (2) running upside—if Reid continues emphasizing rushing, Mahomes could return to top-five QB finish despite weaker passing supporting cast. (per Should Fantasy Football Managers Draft Patrick Mahomes or Matthew Stafford in 2026?)

Injury Status

Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL during the 2025 season. He underwent surgery in December 2025 and has been in recovery since. At late-May OTAs, he participated in 7-on-7 drills while wearing a black knee brace. Coach Andy Reid is being cautious about his return, refusing to commit to a Week 1 timeline, though Mahomes has insisted he will be ready when training camp begins in July. His recovery is progressing well enough that he's engaging in limited on-field drills. (per Patrick Mahomes takes a big step forward on his repaired knee, joining Chiefs for voluntary workouts)

Per ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler (late May 2026), Mahomes is ahead of schedule and has been in Kansas City spending 6-7 hours daily on rehab rather than splitting time with receivers in Texas. He's been throwing for the last month and is progressing to the "cutting phase" (change-of-direction drills), a critical test of knee stability and confidence. Week 1 remains his goal and appears increasingly realistic based on rehab commitment. (per Patrick Mahomes reportedly rehabbing like a 'maniac' after knee injury with Chiefs)

By mid-June 2026, Mahomes has advanced to 7-on-7 drills in team practice and hopes to progress to 11-on-7 and eventually full contact work. Both Mahomes and the Chiefs are leaning into the Week 1 vs. Broncos possibility (Sept 14). Coach Andy Reid set no hard deadline, but the team and player are not shying away from the idea. A preseason dress rehearsal game is the target if clearance progresses on schedule. (per Major new update emerges on Patrick Mahomes' recovery timeline)

Training camp clarity timeline (June 22): Training camp is a critical checkpoint for Mahomes' recovery. Questions remain about his availability level: Will he participate in every practice, every practice period, or be on a limited pitch count? His scrambling ability and pocket movement—assets that made him elite pre-injury—will be tested during camp as he rebuilds confidence in his knee. Recovery trajectory during camp will signal readiness for Week 1 or a staggered return. (per 2026 NFL training camp report - dates, joint practices, top storyline for all 32 teams)

June 28 injury update — training camp readiness confirmed: Mahomes is trending in the right direction with full clearance expected by training camp start (late July) and likely participation in at least one preseason game. Coach Andy Reid remains cautious about collision risk, specifically avoiding 11-on-11 team drills involving jet sweeps or backfield action where players cross the formation and could swipe Mahomes' legs—plays that depend on precise timing the Chiefs must verify before full team work. Once fully cleared, Reid noted "there's no putting the genie back in the bottle," but the Chiefs want to be methodical about the timing of clearance to ensure durability. The focus has been on rebuilding confidence in his knee mechanics (per Kansas City Chiefs Injury Updates: Every injured player to monitor heading into 2026 NFL training camp in St. Joe).

July 15 update — Week 1 goal remains on track: Mahomes reiterated that his "goal" is to be ready for Week 1 vs. the Broncos. He emphasized the recovery is "going good" and stressed: "I can't predict the future and I know that it's a long process...at the same time I'm going to give the doctors and the coaches every single opportunity I can to let me be out there Week 1." Mahomes expressed excitement about returning to training camp with teammates, noting he's been rehabbing in Kansas City by himself: "I'm excited to get back to training camp. I'm excited to get the guys back around." (per Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes gives injury update, 'goal' for return to field - USA Today)

July 24 pre-training camp status: Mahomes continues recovering from his torn ACL and LCL at a positive pace. Andy Reid's progress report confirms Mahomes remains on track, though no firm Week 1 commitment has been made. Reid will continue monitoring his status as training camp approaches (per Chiefs Pre-Training Camp Injury Updates on Rashee Rice, Omarr Norman-Lott, More).

July 25 training camp clearance: Mahomes is cleared for practice to open training camp, a major positive milestone in his recovery. He confirmed Friday he's still managing his knee injury and emphasized that QBs don't get hit at practice, but the green light for camp participation is significant. Andy Reid expressed optimism: "I'm optimistic. And I know he is extremely optimistic," though he cautioned "you've got to see how things go" before confirming Week 1 readiness. (per NFL training camp news, live updates: Patriots make Christian Gonzalez a hefty offer; Patrick Mahomes cleared))

Aug 7 preseason participation update: Reid wouldn't guarantee Mahomes will play in the 2026 preseason as he continues recovery from his torn ACL and LCL. Reid stated: "There's a pretty good chance I don't play him" in the preseason opener vs. the Rams, and indicated the Chiefs could have Mahomes sit out all three preseason games as the team prioritizes reps for backup QBs and new personnel. Reid added: "We've got new people in those other positions behind him that need some work, and so the more reps they get, the better." Week 1 vs. the Denver Broncos remains Mahomes' goal, but the team is taking a cautious ramp-up approach. (per NFL training camp live updates for August 7: Highlights, injuries, news and more)​

Aug 22 preseason Week 2 status: Mahomes remained sidelined for the Chiefs' preseason matchup against Tampa Bay, continuing his cautious return protocol. He's been a full participant in training camp practices but is sitting out preseason games as a precaution. Backup Justin Fields and rookie Garrett Nussmeier saw action instead. However, Mahomes is still on track for his Week 1 return against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football (Sept 14), with no setbacks reported in his ACL recovery. (per Will Patrick Mahomes play vs. Buccaneers? Injury update for Chiefs QB)

Yahoo Sports Aug 29 assessment: Head coach Andy Reid was mum on Mahomes being ready for Week 1. Mahomes hasn't missed a practice at camp so far, which is a good sign he'll be ready, but nothing is confirmed. The two-time MVP remains a good late-round QB target if healthy, though his rushing upside will take a hit coming off a torn ACL. Kansas City could be more run-heavy with Kenneth Walker III in town. (per NFL Training Camp Injury Report: Tracking the latest news, updates for 2026 fantasy football)

July 24 training camp update — career-long recovery: Three days into training camp, Mahomes acknowledged the scope of his ACL recovery. Speaking to reporters at the Chiefs' training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, Mahomes admitted: "The process isn't over. It'll be something I'll probably be dealing with the next few years of my career and throughout the rest of my career." Despite this sobering reality, Mahomes expressed excitement about returning: "I feel amazing. I'm excited just to be able to play football." He remains laser-focused on Week 1 against the Denver Broncos (Sept. 14) as his target return date. (per Patrick Mahomes says ACL injury may impact the rest of his career)

Sports Illustrated ranks Mahomes as QB#1 in the league for the 2026 season, though with caveats. In 2025, despite missing almost a month with the ACL/LCL injury, Mahomes threw for 3,587 yards and 22 TDs in 14 games while ranking 6th in EPA (+65.2). He remains the standard-bearer of his generation—two-time MVP, three-time Super Bowl champion with five Super Bowl appearances. However, the article notes "for the first time in years, there's a case to be made that the Chiefs don't belong here" given the 6-11 2025 record and uncertainty around his knee recovery timeline. (per Do the Chiefs Have the NFL's Best Coach-QB Duo? Where Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid Rank)

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Patrick's role

Andy ReidHead CoachEric BieniemyOffensive CoordinatorJoe BleymaierPass Game CoordinatorAndy HeckOffensive LineCorey MatthaeiAssistant Offensive LineDan WilliamsAssistant QuarterbacksDavid GirardiQuarterbacks