“Andy Reid: ‘I Would Never Bet Against’ Patrick Mahomes Returning for Week 1 of 2026 Season”

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid delivered one of the most positive and high-profile updates yet on Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee (suffered in December 2025). In an exclusive interview at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting, Reid said Mahomes is “doing great” and strongly suggested he expects the superstar quarterback to start the 2026 season on time.

Key details from Reid’s comments:
– Mahomes has been putting in serious work — often 7 hours a day at the Chiefs’ facility — focusing on flexibility, strength, and rehab with the team’s athletic training staff.
– Reid emphasized the progress has been “all positive” so far and famously added words to the effect of: don’t bet against Mahomes making it back for Week 1.

– This comes after Mahomes recently posted a video of himself throwing the football cleanly (roughly 100+ days post-surgery), which sparked major optimism

The story is dominating NFL headlines because Mahomes’ return is the biggest question mark for a Chiefs team that missed the playoffs in 2025 after his injury. Fans and analysts are buzzing about his work ethic, the clean throwing motion in recent clips, and how the offense (bolstered by Travis Kelce’s return and other moves) will look with a healthy Mahomes under center.

This update feels like the most authoritative and timely one available — directly from the head coach in a major interview setting. Overall vibe: cautiously optimistic turning into real excitement for a strong 2026 comeback.

If you’d like deeper details, video links, related draft/ roster news, or updates on a different angle (like fantasy implications), just say the word!