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2x SB Champion urges Andy Reid to vary gameplan whereas sounding alarm for Patrick Mahomes’ ACL damage

Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL. And a former NFL champion thinks Andy Reid needs to rethink how Kansas City runs its offense because of it.

“There’s not a better time for that to happen than now, because your quarterback is coming off an ACL,” Damien Woody, a two-time Super Bowl winner and ESPN analyst, said on Thursday on ESPN’s “Get Up.”

“You gotta be available. If you’re not available, you’re no good to anyone.” —@damienwoody on Jaxson Dart’s physical play style 🏈

Woody added Andy Reid must prioritize the run game in 2026 rather than leaning heavily on Mahomes from the start. Kansas City has already moved in that direction. The Chiefs signed running back Kenneth Walker III, who was named the Super Bowl MVP in February, this offseason.

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Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec. 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his season. Kansas City collapsed without him, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

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Schefter: Organization believes Patrick Mahomes is “tracking” for Week 1

NFL: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - Source: ImagnNFL: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Imagn
NFL: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Source: Imagn

Kansas City was handed the “Monday Night Football” opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14, a prime slot the league reserves for marquee matchups featuring marquee players.

“The league doesn’t do that unless they think there’s a realistic chance that Patrick Mahomes is going to be back,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on “Get Up.”

“The feeling right now within the organization is that he is tracking to be ready for that Monday night game against Bo Nix, who is coming off his own surgeries on his ankle, and the Denver Broncos in Kansas City.”

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has said Patrick Mahomes is “way ahead of schedule,” and coach Andy Reid recently suggested Mahomes could participate in OTAs.