ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KCTV) – Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs onto the practice field Saturday to open the 2026 training camp, returning from a knee injury that cut short his previous season.
The 10-year veteran wore a brace on his left knee throughout the 90-minute workout but completed the session without issue.
“I always knew I was going to get back here. Just because of my mindset and the people around me,” Mahomes said.
Mahomes said he was not satisfied with his play before the injury and is focused on improvement heading into the new season.
“I feel like I wasn’t playing my best football last season before I got hurt, so I’ve got to find ways to get better, navigate in the pocket and run the offense better,” he said.
Rookies take the field for the first time
Three draft picks also made their training camp debuts Saturday.
First-round cornerback Mansoor Delane, who wears No. 5, acknowledged the uneven nature of an opening practice.
“First days are always ups and downs. I’m a guy — I lose reps, I don’t do good. And it motivates me to get better,” Delaney said.
Fellow first-round selection Peter Wood, a defensive tackle, described the experience as a milestone.
“It was a dream come true. I was thinking about practice when I was coming down the hill. And I was just excited to get out here,” Wood said.
Second-round edge rusher R. Mason Thomas also suited up for his first NFL camp.
“It’s a dream come true, to be in this camp, to be an NFL player. When I was a kid, to be in this program — I never dreamed,” Thomas said.
The rookies and Mahomes are scheduled for two additional practices, one Sunday and one Monday, in St. Joseph.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.