Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said he believes quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be ready for the NFL season opener [1].
The timeline for Mahomes' return is critical for the Chiefs' championship aspirations, as the team must navigate a season without its primary playmaker if the recovery lags.
Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear in December 2025 [2]. The injury occurred during the final stretch of the previous season, leaving the team to speculate on the quarterback's availability for the upcoming campaign. Kelce said these concerns in a series of media interviews, noting the intensity of his teammate's recovery process.
"He’s working his butt off every day. I think he’ll be ready for the season opener," Kelce said [1].
Despite the optimism, some reports have highlighted the difficulty of the recovery. Kelce described the situation as one that "just sucks" in an interview with the NY Post, reflecting the inherent uncertainty of ligament reconstruction, a process that typically requires months of rigorous physical therapy.
Kelce said that the team is maintaining a positive outlook while focusing on the medical requirements of the injury. "It’s a tough situation, but we’re all staying positive and focused on the rehab process," Kelce said [3].
The quarterback's primary objective remains a swift return to competition. Kelce said that Mahomes told him he has one big goal, which is to get back on the field as soon as possible [1].
While the NFL regular season is projected to begin in early September 2026 [1], the exact date of Mahomes' return remains subject to medical clearance. The Chiefs' preparation for the season will likely depend on the progress Mahomes makes during the summer months.
“"He’s working his butt off every day. I think he’ll be ready for the season opener."”
The return of a franchise quarterback from an ACL tear is a high-stakes gamble for any NFL team. While Kelce's optimism provides a morale boost, the physical reality of a December 2025 injury means Mahomes is facing a tight window to regain full mobility and cutting ability before the September 2026 opener. If Mahomes is unable to start, the Chiefs' success will depend entirely on their backup depth and offensive adjustments.
