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.