Mahomes says knee feels great as he readies for Chiefs season opener

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters on Saturday that his left knee, which was surgically repaired in December after an ACL and LCL tear, feels "great" during Kansas City Chiefs training camp. He said he is trying to protect the knee while also pushing himself to be ready for the season opener on Sept. 14 against the Denver Broncos.

Mahomes noted that he is increasingly able to scramble without consciously thinking about the knee, a sign he believes indicates he is on track to start the season. He added that the intensity of camp sometimes leads him to forget about the injury as he competes for reps.

During a recent padded practice, Mahomes described a fourth-down scramble in which he attempted a lateral pass to running back Kenneth Walker III before the ball was recovered by the defense. He said the play highlighted his desire to compete while remaining mindful of his knee.

"I'm trying to hold myself back because I'm just a competitor. I like competing. All of a sudden, I'm running and cutting back and trying to pitch the ball. But when it's fourth down, you want to try to make a play happen," Mahomes said.

Head coach Andy Reid indicated that Mahomes is unlikely to appear in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, and may also miss the second game, depending on medical assessments.

"The percentages are leading that way. I don't know if I'll play him in the second or third game. The percentages probably lean against not doing that," Reid said.

Mahomes said he will follow the coach's decision and continue preparing for the regular season, emphasizing that the process is about ensuring he is ready when the season begins.

"I'm for whatever Coach says. I'm going to prepare to play. He hasn't told me anything. I'll prepare to get myself ready. If not, I'll be as locked in as I am during games and try to get myself ready to go for the season opener," Mahomes said.