Patrick Mahomes has been cleared for full participation in training camp
One of the major questions heading into training camp for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the entire NFL made significant progress toward being resolved on Friday.
Speaking with reporters less than a week before camp opens, Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced that quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been cleared to fully participate in camp, seven months after undergoing surgery to repair tears to the ACL and LCL in his left knee. “Right now, he’s got clearance to practice and do all the different periods we have in this camp,” Reid stated during his news conference in St. Joseph, Mo. We will monitor his progress daily. He will have numerous observers, including coaches, trainers, and doctors, but currently, he has been authorized to fully participate.
When inquired about Mahomes’ readiness to participate in the Chiefs’ season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14, Reid expressed, “I’m optimistic, and I know (Mahomes) is extremely optimistic,” further noting, “Let’s just see where we’re at and refrain from making any predictions or anything else. “Approach each day as it comes and observe how things unfold.”
When it was his turn to speak, Mahomes revealed that he received the news on Wednesday from Dallas Cowboys team physician Dan Cooper, who had performed the surgery on the quarterback in December.
I feel more powerful than I ever have, especially when it comes to strength and lifting weights,” Mahomes stated. I feel incredible. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play football. Every day in Kansas City (State of Missouri), I observe the rehabilitation of cinder block walls. Being on that practice field with my teammates will be an enjoyable experience.
The two-time league MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP, who turns 31 on Sept. 17, stated that he will begin camp wearing a knee brace, although he is not pledging to wear it consistently.
I will begin with it simply because I feel that I can still move and be myself while using it,” Mahomes stated. I engaged with it during my college years, and then we will determine our path from that point onward.
Mahomes suffered the injury in the final moments of Kansas City’s 16-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, a result that ended the Chiefs’ hopes for playoff contention.
Mahomes was experiencing what could be considered his most challenging season as a professional. He finished with a completion rate of 62.7%, amassing 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown passes all reached career-low levels since he became a regular. However, he could have avoided his worst numbers in yards and touchdowns had he participated in the final three games of the regular season.
