Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is built differently. We all know that.
So when news filtered through shortly after he suffered an ACL injury against the Los Angeles Chargers that Patrick was already eyeing a Week 1 return, many weren't surprised.
But that is a lofty goal, and we know that players aren't always themselves in the first year back from such an injury. Robert Griffen III wants Mahomes to sit out the entire 2026 season to get healthy.
We know Patrick won't do that.
And he's just doubled down that Week 1 is his ideal return date.
"Long-term, I want to be ready for Week 1, doctors say that I could be, can't predict what's going to happen throughout the process but that's my goal," Mahomes said. "So, I'll try to prepare myself to be ready to play Week 1 and have no restrictions.”
More: Patrick Mahomes injury update: How Is Chiefs QB progressing from ACL injury?
Should Mahomes push for Week 1 return?
No doubt fans will want him to.
But also, we want the best version of Patrick.
He can extend plays with his elusiveness and legs, but less than a year removed from an ACL injury, will Patrick be "Patrick" in Week 1?
The fact that the doctors said he "could be" hints at precaution in the coming months.
Having "no restrictions" is also a keyword here. For Mahomes to play Week 1, you would think he needs at least a month of practice at training camp, if not more.
Time will tell if Week 1 is a realistic goal for Mahomes. He thinks it is. His doctors seem less convinced.
But knowing the type of player Mahomes is, come Week 1, it'll be him running out of that tunnel.
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