Patrick Mahomes consulted with Tom Brady, others during the rehab process - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com’s Pro Football Talk reported that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been cleared for training camp a little more than seven months after suffering torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee. According to the report, Mahomes was injured in a Dec. 14 game and had surgery the next day, making his return to practice a significant step in his recovery timeline.

The article, by Charean Williams, said Mahomes sought advice from players who had experienced comparable knee injuries, including Tom Brady. Brady sustained a major left knee injury in the 2008 season opener and returned the following year, when he was named Comeback Player of the Year. Mahomes said those conversations helped him understand the demands of a long rehabilitation process and the importance of staying consistent.

NBCSports.com also reported that Mahomes spoke with former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu and veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Mathieu previously dealt with ACL and LCL damage in his left knee in 2013 and another ACL tear in 2015, while Ertz tore his ACL shortly before Mahomes was injured. Mahomes described his exchanges with Ertz as a friendly rehab competition, with the two comparing progress in strength work, jumping, acceleration and cutting drills.

The development matters because Mahomes’ availability is central to Kansas City’s outlook entering the season. While he has been cleared to practice, the report noted that his next goal is being cleared to play in Week 1 of the regular season.