Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes isn’t under any limitations from the coaching or training staff during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Mahomes had offseason surgery to repair a turf toe injury that hampered him during the 2020 postseason. Reports ahead of OTAs said that Mahomes was ahead of schedule in his injury rehab and that he would be participating in OTAs. Video from Tuesday’s practice also showed as much.
The big question: How much would he be able to do in an OTA practice?
Now, we have an answer.
According to the man in charge, Chiefs HC Andy Reid, Mahomes hasn’t had any limitations. He says that Mahomes has been able to do everything during practice.
“Yeah, he’s been doing everything,” Reid told reporters on Thursday. “So, he’s been full go and he’s still working with Rick (Burkholder) and the toe and that.”
Take a peek at the team photo gallery from Day 1 and you’ll find Rick Burkholder close by, watching over Mahomes like a hawk. Even though Mahomes is considered to be full go, it’d seem that the work the team is doing right now is conducive to that.
“We utilize this more as a passing camp,” Reid said. “You know we don’t run the ball much in this thing. But it’s good that way and his toe has really done well.”
Perhaps if Mahomes was being asked to run or if the team were in full pads already things would be different. Right now, the fact that most of what the Chiefs are asking quarterbacks to do is throw seems to play a part in Mahomes’ ability to participate in full. It’s also worth noting that it appears that Mahomes was only present for the first of three voluntary OTA practices this week. It’s possible that is by design as a form of load management.
Rest assured that the team is still being cautious here. They want to ensure that Mahomes doesn’t somehow aggravate the injury. I’d expect the watchful eye of Burkholder to continue and possibly until we get further into the season.
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