Patrick Mahomes reported to Kansas City Chiefs training camp after spending more than 7 months rehabilitating ACL and LCL tears in his left knee. The 3-time Super Bowl champion suffered the season-ending injury against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14, 2025. Brittany Mahomes shared a family photo before camp and wrote that training-camp goodbyes were becoming harder.
She later celebrated seeing her husband return to the practice field after the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 season. Mahomes has been cleared to participate fully in training camp. However, head coach Andy Reid said the team will evaluate his progress day by day before determining whether he is ready for the Sept. 14 regular-season opener.
The injury that ended Mahomes season early
Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during the Chiefs’ 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14, 2025. The Week 15 injury ended his season, and he underwent surgery the following day. The damage was severe enough to end his season immediately and require surgery.
Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ team physician, performed the operation. Mahomes then began a rehabilitation process aimed at returning for the start of the 2026 season. Cooper has treated several prominent athletes for similar ligament tears in recent years.
Kansas City completed the 2025 season with a 6-11 record. The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, ending a streak of 10 consecutive postseason appearances. That mark snapped a decade long playoff streak that had defined the franchise.
Brittany Mahomes shares an emotional goodbye
Brittany Mahomes shared a photo of Patrick saying goodbye to his family before leaving for training camp. The image showed him holding and kissing the couple’s youngest daughter, Golden. She captioned the post by admitting that training camp goodbyes keep getting harder each year.
“Training camp goodbye is getting harder,” Brittany wrote alongside crying-face emojis. She added that the family loved him and encouraged him as he returned to football. Fans quickly responded with supportive comments about the couple navigating another demanding football season.
Brittany later posted footage of Patrick back on the practice field and wrote, “Seeing him back doing what he loves. So thankful.” The posts reflected both the difficulty of the annual separation and her gratitude for his return.
A cleared quarterback returns to the field
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Mahomes had received clearance to participate fully in training camp. Mahomes said Dr. Dan Cooper, the surgeon who performed his operation, informed him of the decision on July 22.
Mahomes reported to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, with the Chiefs’ other quarterbacks, rookies, and selected veterans. Reid said the early practices give newcomers an introduction to the camp workload and allow returning injured players to receive additional preparation.
Mahomes aims to be available for the regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14. Reid said he is optimistic but emphasized that the Chiefs will monitor Mahomes day by day rather than guarantee his availability.
Mahomes reaches a major recovery milestone
Mahomes progressed from rehabilitation work to offseason throwing drills before receiving clearance for full training-camp participation. He said months of strength training left him feeling physically stronger, although his recovery remains an ongoing process.
ACL reconstruction generally requires months of structured rehabilitation, and medical professionals assess strength, stability, and function before clearing an athlete for sports activity. Mahomes’ clearance for camp is therefore an important milestone, but it does not guarantee that he has returned to his previous playing level.
The Chiefs plan to monitor him throughout camp. Reid said coaches, trainers, and doctors will evaluate Mahomes while the team takes his recovery day by day. That cautious approach reflects how much the franchise depends on its franchise passer.
Fun fact: Brittany Mahomes signed a professional soccer contract with UMF Afturelding/Fram in Iceland in 2017 before pursuing fitness and business ventures.
Training camp begins a new chapter
The Chiefs opened their early training-camp period at Missouri Western State University with quarterbacks, rookies, and selected veterans reporting on July 24. The rest of the roster arrived before the first full-team practice on July 29. For families like the Mahomes household, that separation brings its own emotional weight.
Brittany Mahomes acknowledged the emotional impact of the transition by writing that training-camp goodbyes were becoming harder. Patrick’s departure temporarily separated him from Brittany and their 3 young children as he began preparing for the season.
Brittany continued supporting his return by sharing footage from the practice field and expressing gratitude that he could again participate in football activities. Brittany continues supporting her husband while also managing their growing household.
Mahomes opens up about missing his kids
During his July 24 training-camp press conference. Mahomes said the toughest early stage of rehabilitation was being unable to get up and chase his children. He explained that he values being an active father and playing with his kids.ll.
Mahomes said his mobility gradually improved as rehabilitation progressed. His comments highlighted how the injury affected his family life in addition to ending his 2025 football season. The experience reportedly gave him a new appreciation for ordinary moments with his kids.
Mahomes has now received clearance to participate fully in camp. However, both he and the Chiefs continue to describe the recovery as an ongoing process rather than a completed return to full health. That personal victory feels significant alongside his broader football comeback story.
Brittany reflects on her growing public platform
In a July interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Brittany discussed the public attention surrounding her family and career. She described the increased visibility as a major adjustment and said she had learned several difficult lessons.
Brittany credited Patrick with encouraging her to remain true to herself and focus on the people and priorities that matter most. She said his guidance helped her manage outside criticism and attention. That support system has helped her stay grounded through several high profile seasons.
She also said she could not have reached her current position without Patrick’s support. Beyond their family life, Brittany has pursued business ventures and serves as a co-owner of the Kansas City Current. Their partnership continues to extend well beyond the football field itself.
Chiefs aim to reclaim playoff contention
Kansas City enters the 2026 season after finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Chiefs’ 2025 elimination ended a streak of 10 consecutive postseason appearances. The roster around him has undergone several changes since last season ended.
Mahomes’ return to training camp provides an important boost, but he has not yet been confirmed for the regular-season opener. Reid said the Chiefs will monitor him day by day while using camp to prepare rookies and returning injured players.
Kansas City hopes to rebound from its first losing season under Reid since 2012. Mahomes’ progress will be a central factor as the team attempts to return to postseason contention. His return to full health gives the franchise renewed optimism heading into the fall.
Little-known fact: Mahomes became a part-owner of MLB’s Kansas City Royals in July 2020.
TL;DR
- Patrick Mahomes reported to Chiefs training camp after recovering from a torn ACL and LCL.
- Brittany Mahomes shared emotional posts about saying goodbye before camp began this year.
- Andy Reid confirmed Mahomes was fully cleared by the medical staff and his surgeon.
- Mahomes said missing time with his kids was the hardest part of recovery.
- Brittany opened up about learning to manage her own growing public platform.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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