Patrick Mahomes shows his anxiety to return with a telling move on the sideline

The NFL season opener is almost here, but the questions surrounding Patrick Mahomes remain unanswered . There is still no set date for his return to the field and no certainty that he will be alongside his teammates when the Chiefs open their 2026 campaign.

Andy Reid has yet to give Mahomes the green light , and there is a clear reason for it. There was no need to take risks with the quarterback during the preseason after a serious injury kept him sidelined for months. The start of the regular season could even come too soon for Mahomes, meaning a Week 1 return is far from guaranteed.

Mahomes’ impatience is becoming harder to miss.

The uncertainty has only made his eagerness to return more noticeable, especially his need to have the football in his hands again. That became clear during a recent moment on the sideline when a football landed near him. Mahomes caught it and immediately started making fakes as if he were back in the middle of the action, offering a glimpse of just how ready he is to return.

Mahomes has been a strong presence during practices, but in Reid’s eyes, it is still too early to start taking risks. Even if Mahomes is anxious to get back, the Chiefs have to keep a clear head and make the decision that is best for the team.

Kansas City still has a major decision to make before Week 1

With the preseason winding down and the Chiefs’ 2026 opener getting closer, Mahomes’ status remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the team.

Kansas City will open its campaign with a Monday Night Football matchup against the defending AFC West champion Denver Broncos on September 14 at Arrowhead Stadium , a game many expect could be the perfect stage for Mahomes to return to the action. However, nothing is guaranteed, even as Reid believes Mahomes could receive the green light for the season and home opener.