Chiefs enter critical 2026 season as Mahomes returns from ACL
The Kansas City Chiefs enter a pivotal 2026 NFL season with Patrick Mahomes cleared for training camp after a Week 15 ACL and LCL tear ended his 2025 campaign. Following a 6–11 collapse and their first playoff miss since 2014, Mahomes' mobility and a reshaped roster will determine whether Kansas City rebounds or slides further.
Key Takeaways
- Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL and LCL tear in Week 15 of 2025 but received full training-camp clearance and is on track for Week 1.
- Kansas City went 6–11 last season, going 1–9 in one-score games and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
- The Chiefs signed RB Kenneth Walker III, extended Mahomes through 2033, and overhauled a secondary that lost Trent McDuffie and Bryan Cook.
- Analysts flag a thin receiver corps and question whether Mahomes can quickly regain his signature improvisational mobility.
- Weeks 1 and 2 primetime matchups against Denver and Indianapolis signal league confidence in Mahomes' on-time return.
What happened to Patrick Mahomes in 2025?
The Chiefs' nightmare 2025 season unraveled long before Patrick Mahomes grabbed his knee against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14. Kansas City finished 6–11, missing the postseason for the first time since 2014. The team went a brutal 1–9 in one-score games and closed with a six-game losing streak.
Mahomes' ACL and LCL tears in Week 15 ended any faint playoff hope and cast immediate doubt over 2026. His 2025 line included a career-low 62.7% completion rate, part of a three-year stretch with his worst passer ratings since entering the league.
How did the Chiefs reshape their roster this offseason?
The front office bet heavily on offense while retooling a depleted secondary. Kansas City signed explosive running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43.1 million deal and rewarded Mahomes with an eight-year, $504.75 million extension through 2033 — $150.25 million guaranteed at signing. Travis Kelce returned on a one-year, $12 million pact.
Defensively, the Chiefs added safety Alohi Gilman, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, and cornerbacks Kader Kohou and Kaiir Elam while bringing back L'Jarius Sneed. Major losses included cornerback Trent McDuffie, traded to the Rams, and safety Bryan Cook, who signed with Cincinnati. The draft added first-round corner Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods.
Can Mahomes lead Kansas City back to contention?
Mahomes was back throwing during OTAs and received full clearance for training camp. The NFL schedule slots the Chiefs in primetime for Week 1 against Denver and Week 2 against Indianapolis, signaling considerable confidence in an on-time return. ProFootballRumors noted comparisons to Tom Brady's 2009 ACL comeback, but Mahomes relies far more on mobility to extend plays.
Analysts on The Athletic Football Show flagged Kansas City's receiver corps as potentially among the league's worst. Rashee Rice served a 30-day prison term and underwent knee surgery, while Xavier Worthy dealt with injuries. Derrik Klassen argued Kenneth Walker could restore the 2019–2020 explosiveness formula, but Dave Helman questioned whether a running back alone can fix a siloed offense that ranked 31st in play-action rate from under center.
Steve Spagnuolo's defense remains anchored by Chris Jones and Creed Humphrey, yet the AFC West has tightened with improved Chargers and Broncos squads. Vegas lists Kansas City at 10.5 wins — a mark some analysts doubt given the roster churn and Mahomes' rehab timeline.
Where can fans watch the Chiefs in 2026?
For viewers tracking Mahomes' return, Kansas City's Week 1 primetime opener against Denver and Week 2 matchup with Indianapolis headline early must-watch TV. Follow our Streaming & TV Alerts hub for broadcast and streaming updates as the season unfolds. For deeper analysis, see coverage from Fox News and The Athletic's 2026 preview.