While rookies and potential newcomers are getting their first taste of life in a Chiefs uniform, all eyes are on Mahomes, who is recovering from a devastating knee injury suffered last December. The question on everyone’s mind: Will Mahomes be ready to take the field when OTAs begin on May 26?
On Saturday, before the second day of minicamp workouts, Reid addressed the media, offering insight into the team’s cautious approach with Mahomes and his rehab timeline. “We’ve got to see on that,” Reid said carefully, his usual confidence tempered with caution. “He is in a good position to be able to do some things, there are just some rules and regulations that go with that, so we just have to make sure we’re on top of that part.”
The “Physically Unable to Perform” Dilemma: What Does It Mean for Mahomes?
Reid was referring to the NFL’s regulations around the “Physically Unable to Perform” (PUP) list, which can have a major impact on how the Chiefs handle Mahomes’ participation in OTAs. Players placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp are unable to practice but can still participate in meetings and other team activities. Once a player practices or plays in a preseason game, they can no longer be placed on the PUP list.
Reid explained that Mahomes’ availability during OTAs hinges on this delicate balance. “Once you start the clock, then the clock has to be rolling,” Reid continued. “So you just have to evaluate what you want to do there, but he’s in a position where he can do everything.”
In other words, while Mahomes is progressing well in his recovery, Reid and the Chiefs have to tread carefully to ensure they don’t trigger any limitations by allowing Mahomes to practice too early.
Will Mahomes Be Ready for Phase 3?
Reid made it clear that Mahomes could likely participate in some non-contact drills during Phase 2 of the offseason, which begins shortly after rookie minicamp. However, it’s Phase 3—when full team activities, including offense vs. defense drills, take place—that will truly reveal if Mahomes is ready to rejoin the team at full speed.
“We have to see what he can do in Phase 2—there’s no contact, no offense vs. defense,” Reid explained. “It’s Phase 3 that you get into that, so we’ll evaluate from there.”
The Chiefs’ coaching staff will be closely monitoring Mahomes’ progress in the coming weeks, but Reid is confident that his star quarterback is putting in the work. “I know he’s doing a lot of stuff right now,” Reid acknowledged. “He is throwing the ball, and he does it on his own, so he’s not getting in any trouble here.”
Reid Jokes About Mahomes’ Rehab: ‘I Don’t Have Video’
Despite the careful monitoring of Mahomes’ rehab, Reid added a light-hearted touch to his press conference, joking about the quarterback’s self-driven recovery. “I don’t have video,” Reid laughed, making light of the fact that Mahomes is handling much of his rehab independently at this stage.
While Reid and the Chiefs are certainly keeping a watchful eye on Mahomes’ recovery, the MVP quarterback is determined to prove he’s ready for the 2026 season. As Mahomes continues to rehab and the offseason program ramps up, it’s clear that the Chiefs’ cautious approach will be key to ensuring their star quarterback is in top form when the season kicks off.
