The Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs last season. Let that sink in for a second, because for anyone who’s watched Patrick Mahomes play, that just sounds… impossible. But it happened in 2025. And what’s worse, Mahomes himself was sidelined, ripping through the final stretch of that campaign with a torn ACL. As training camp screams closer, you know everyone in Kansas City is praying for a turnaround. They’re desperately hoping this season goes light-years better than the last. But let me tell you, folks, the reality check is already here. There are still some monster questions hanging over their superstar quarterback, and until Mahomes drops the mic and answers them, nothing, absolutely nothing, is certain for the Chiefs.
The “Will He Or Won’t He?” Saga That Matters
ESPN’s Ben Solak just laid out the real talk this week in a new article, asking the questions every single fan and analyst has buzzing in their head. Is Mahomes going to be out there, full throttle, from the very first snap of training camp? Or what about preseason? We all know old-school coach Andy Reid’s playbook: he typically puts his starters on the field for at least some action, even if it’s just a series or two. After missing the playoffs in 2025, a failure that truly felt like a glitch in the Matrix for the Mahomes era, the urgency to get him back on the field is cranked to eleven. This isn’t just about shaking off the rust; it’s about rewriting the narrative after last year’s shocking collapse.
Beyond Mahomes: Are The Weapons Even There?
Now, Solak didn’t go deep into other questions in his blurb about Mahomes’ comeback, but let’s be real, you can’t just ignore the elephant in the room. It’s totally fair to wonder if the Chiefs even have the kind of pass-catchers needed to truly maximize their superstar QB’s insane talent. Travis Kelce is a future Hall of Famer, no doubt, but come on, the man isn’t getting any younger out there. And then you look at Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Both those guys have had what can only be described as bumpier-than-hoped NFL careers so far. Are these the guys who are going to step up and make those clutch plays, especially if Mahomes isn’t quite 100% from the jump? These are the kinds of worries that keep the hardcore fans up at night.
The Road Back: Slow And Steady?
Here’s the kicker though, it’s not all doom and gloom for Kansas City. Solak also points out that most signs are actually leaning positive for Mahomes, despite all the persistent questions. Look, it’s not like the Chiefs are running a brand-new scheme this year, and they haven’t brought in any major new pass-catchers to learn the ropes. That means there isn’t this massive, urgent need for Mahomes to instantly jump out there and build team chemistry from scratch. Everyone expects the Chiefs to play it safe, to be as slow and cautious as they can possibly afford to be with their franchise quarterback. But if you believe what the reports are saying, we should expect Mahomes to take a full practice “sooner rather than later.” It really seems like the man is trending hard in the direction of getting back on the field.
The Chiefs even catch a bit of a break right out of the gate, playing on Monday night for Week 1. That gives Mahomes at least an extra day to heal up and get ready. But let’s be crystal clear: Mahomes is not a guaranteed starter for Week 1. Not yet. But if he can answer these absolutely critical questions in the weeks leading up to kickoff, it’ll give him every single chance to be back under center, leading the charge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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