Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has once again made it clear that his main objective is to be available for the opening game of the season, despite recovering from a torn ACL suffered in December.
During the offseason program, Mahomes revealed that returning for Week 1 was his priority, and with training camp approaching, he believes he is moving closer to achieving that goal.
Speaking to Yahoo Sports Daily on Wednesday, the three-time Super Bowl champion repeated his desire to be on the field when the new campaign begins.
“That’s my goal,” Mahomes said. “I’ve said that since the beginning, being ready to go Week 1. I can’t predict the future, and I know that it’s a long process. It’s not just my decision, but at the same time I’m going to give the doctors and the coaches every single opportunity I can to let me be out there Week 1.”
The opening matchup provides extra motivation
The Chiefs’ first game of the season against the Denver Broncos has given Mahomes another reason to push for a quick return.
Mahomes admitted he does not want to watch that contest from the sideline, especially with Denver having claimed the division title during Kansas City’s absence from the top spot.
“I don’t want to miss that game because that’s the team that won the division while we were gone, and you want to be out there and ready to go with your teammates,” Mahomes said.
The quarterback added that he plans to do everything possible to receive medical approval and join his teammates for the opening fixture against one of the league’s strongest opponents.
“I’ll give every single thing I can to be out there Week 1, and hopefully the doctors and the coaches give me the green light, and I’m able to go out there with my guys and compete against one of the best teams in the league,” he said.
The quarterback focused on steady recovery
Mahomes acknowledged that his rehabilitation has been a lengthy challenge, but he believes he is in a positive position as the start of training camp gets closer.
The Chiefs star explained that his focus is on improving every day rather than looking too far ahead.
“[A]ll I can do is be as great as I can be every single day,” Mahomes said. “You just have to maximize that day and slowly get better and better as the year goes on.”
He also expressed excitement about returning to the football field and reconnecting with his teammates after spending much of the offseason working individually.
Chiefs prepare for training camp return
Mahomes said he is looking forward to the beginning of training camp and having the rest of the squad back around him in Kansas City.
“I’m excited to get back to training camp. I’m excited to get the guys back around. I’ve kind of been in the building in Kansas City by myself,” he said.
The quarterback added that being back on the field with his teammates will help him continue preparing for the upcoming season.
Chiefs rookies and veterans are scheduled to report for training camp on July 28.