Chiefs HC Andy Reid on Chances Patrick Mahomes Returns for Week 1 vs Broncos

The NFL scheduled the defending AFC West champion Denver Broncos at Kansas City on Monday Night Football to open the season. Rich's working theory is that the league does not put that game in that slot if it does not believe Patrick Mahomes will be the starter.

Andy Reid did not exactly disagree.

"Deep down, Roger Goodell wanted to be a physical therapist," Reid said. "So he said, listen, the two of the top quarterbacks in the National Football League need some motivation to get themselves back on the football field. So let's put them against each other. We wouldn't want any other way. I don't think Denver would want any other way."

The most Reid would commit to is that the trajectory is in the right place.

"He spent a ton of time here, and he's getting better every day," Reid said. "He's not taking any setbacks, and that's what you look for."

The setback-free rehab is meaningful in part because it is being run by a trainer Reid wanted to make sure got name-checked.

"Julie, our trainer, is doing, the real trainer actually," Reid said. "She's pushing him, and he wants more."

The promise Reid is willing to make is conditional.

"I would tell you he's doing very well, but it's a day-to-day thing," Reid said. "And as long as he keeps making the progress forward, man, maybe you have a chance to see him the first game. But again, we'll play that as we go."

Rich asked what Reid is looking for in July and August before turning the lights green.

"You want to make sure that it's healed, number one," Reid said. "And that he can keep himself out of harm's way as needed. In other words, be able to play the game. And if you can't do that, then you got to spend more time getting yourself to be able to do that."

Reid said he will not push the timeline.

"We're obviously not going to just throw him out there to throw him out there," Reid said. "I know his competitive nature, he's going to want to play. But we've got to evaluate all that as we go forward."

Rich brought up the famous Denver game where Mahomes' kneecap ended up on the wrong side of his leg and the year ended up the opposite of finished.

"That game was in Denver, by the way," Reid said. "He was trying to talk me into at halftime of going back in the game. So that's how this guy is wired. It's a great thing. But at the same time, you got to make sure that everything's right."

The image Reid keeps coming back to is unglamorous.

"I wish everybody could see how he's gone about his business on getting himself ready," Reid said. "It's a pretty impressive deal. Seven hours in the building every day. Every day he's in here and going and working."

The longer view is still the constraint.

"He's still got a lot left in his career, and you don't want to put him in a bad position there," Reid said. "So we keep a close eye on it. We got great people here that do that."

He closed with a Julie endorsement.

"I'll put her against any PT in the league," Reid said. "She's a good one."