Patrick Mahomes Tests Left Knee in 16-Rep Drill at Chiefs Training Camp

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed a 16-play consecutive drive drill as he rehabilitates his left knee following December surgery for a torn ACL and LCL.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Patrick Mahomes participated in a 16-consecutive repetition long-drive drill during Saturday's training camp session, testing a left knee that underwent surgical repair in December. The nine-year veteran quarterback is rehabilitating a torn ACL and LCL while preparing for the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener against the Denver Broncos. That Week 1 matchup is scheduled for September 14 at home and will be broadcast on ESPN's "Monday Night Football."

During a Friday padded practice, Mahomes demonstrated his mobility during an 11-on-11 two-minute drill. Facing a fourth-down situation with covered receivers, he scrambled to his right before being closed down by rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods. Mahomes attempted an underarm lateral with his right hand to running back Kenneth Walker III while falling to the turf, though cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace eventually recovered the ball. Mahomes noted that while he felt he could have beaten Woods' speed, he prioritized the competitive nature of the rep over cautiousness.

Recovery Milestones and Movement Drills

Mahomes has led the first-team offense in every 11-on-11 period since camp began two weeks ago. His primary focus during these sessions has been improving movement within the pocket, marking his first full-team repetitions since his knee surgery. The quarterback reported that during high-intensity moments or when fatigue sets in, he no longer consciously thinks about the joint. He described the process as a balance between protecting the limb and pushing his physical limits to ensure readiness for the regular season.

Coach Andy Reid implemented the 16-play drive on Saturday to evaluate the projected starters' conditioning. Mahomes indicated that he has experienced an increasing number of moments where he scrambles out of the pocket without hesitation. He attributed this progress to the volume of repetitions he has received in St. Joseph, which serve as validation for his recovery timeline.

Preseason Participation and Roster Status

Despite his activity in camp, Mahomes is unlikely to appear in the Chiefs' preseason opener next Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Andy Reid stated that the percentages currently lean against the quarterback playing in that contest, and he remains undecided regarding Mahomes' availability for the second or third preseason games. If Mahomes sits out the entire exhibition schedule, it will mark the first time in his professional career that he has not played a single preseason snap.

Mahomes expressed his willingness to follow Reid's decision, stating he will prepare as if he is playing regardless of the final call. He emphasized that his goal is to be "locked in" for the September 14 start. The quarterback admitted to frustration following the Friday scramble, not because of physical limitations, but because he failed to secure the first down before the turnover.

Adapting Scramble Mechanics

The three-time Super Bowl winner is currently refining his mindset regarding when to extend plays. While he acknowledged the need to be smart to remain available for his teammates, he noted that his competitive instincts often take over during long practices. Mahomes believes that as he gains more comfort with his surgically repaired knee, his speed will increase, allowing him to execute the playmaking style he is known for without compromising his health. He concluded that if a scramble is not viable, his secondary objective is to throw the ball away to give the team another chance.