Patrick Mahomes injury, atorn ACL and LCL, would keep the normal football player grounded for some time. Hence, it is only to be expected that the Kansas City Chiefs may start Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season without their starting quarterback.

However, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach claims that Mahomes is way ahead of schedule as far as his rehab is concerned. Although he didn't mention it, there is a possibility that the three-time Super Bowl champion QB could be ready when the 2026 NFL starts on 9 September.

'I think it wouldn't surprise you guys, the way it's been really inspiring just to see -- my mind, I've been there before with Pat, he had that dislocated knee and worked his tail off and came back in three weeks. I knew that this bump on the road wouldn't slow him down at all,' Veach toldSiriusXM NFL Radio.

.@ChiefsGM Brett Veach discussed the ACL recovery for QB Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.📻https://t.co/v3G0iz5IH6#Chiefs|#ChiefsKingdompic.twitter.com/fHeNokAVKu

'He's way ahead of schedule. I think the biggest challenge that we're going to have is protecting him from himself. I'm sure when we get to St. Joseph, Missouri, for training camp, he's gonna want to be full go, but we are going to have to hold him back a little,' the Chiefs general manager added.

Mahomes' NFL season ended after suffering the unfortunate knee injury in Week 15. The Chiefs went on to lose to the Los Angeles Chargers 16-13. Things were never the same for the Chiefs, eventually losing their last three assignments to finish with a 6-11 win-loss record.

From those results, it was clear that the Chiefs had no reliable backup QB after Mahomes' exit. Gardner Minshew tried but the efforts of the 29-year-old were not enough.

After a forgettable NFL season, all the Chiefs can do is move on and try again. A void they need to fill is the quarterback position even if Mahomes is recovering ahead of schedule.

Although his dedication to returning back to active duty is laudable, it also carries risks. Even if he stubbornly wants to get back and help guide the Chiefs back on track, management needs to consider several factors.

Aware of what Mahomes brings to the team, the Chiefs need to properly evaluate his health. His progress in rehab is remarkable. However, it remains that there is no cheating the healing process, especially with his type of injury.

Source: International Business Times UK