Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes cleared for full training camp participation after ACL surgery
Patrick Mahomes returned to Kansas City Chiefs practice after being cleared post-ACL surgery, while some fans noted concerns about his leg appearance and the team plans a cautious approach.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes joined the team's practice field this week after doctors cleared him to participate fully in training camp following December surgery to repair a torn ACL. The injury ended his season and contributed to the Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. While Mahomes has met all recovery milestones and is slated to start in Week 1, some fans observed that his leg appeared thinner and speculated about possible muscle loss.
"Mahomes has a skinny leg," NFL injury analyst Jeff Mueller wrote on X.
Other observers noted that both of Mahomes' legs looked similar in size. The quarterback demonstrated strength in his throws and agility during his first practice, easing some concerns. The Chiefs began a limited training camp schedule on Saturday, with quarterbacks, rookies and other position groups reporting.
The organization appears intent to avoid rushing Mahomes back into game action. ESPN reporter Nate Taylor suggested the team may keep him out of all three preseason games, a first in his career. Mahomes said he felt good after practice and emphasized the need to rebuild confidence gradually.
"You just have to build that confidence back, and I'm glad I get to do that from Day 1 of training camp," Mahomes told Fox Sports.
Head coach Andy Reid said the extended camp benefits both Mahomes and the influx of rookies, providing additional repetitions for the quarterbacks.
"It's a good thing for the quarterbacks, good thing for the rookies coming in," Reid said via Fox Sports.