Patrick Mahomes is not medically cleared for Week 1 yet, but that hasn’t stopped his teammates from speaking out about what they’re seeing from their fellow Chief. Mahomes has been out since late last year after suffering a season-ending knee injury, but as the Kansas City Chiefs’ signal-caller continues his recovery, the praise from within the Chiefs’ locker room keeps coming.

Most recently, All-Pro offensive guard Trey Smith candidly discusses the mindset of the superstar quarterback during his recovery and why he feels the need to raise his level of play this upcoming season. According to Smith, there really is no question what needs to happen on his end.

Trey Smith Explains Why Patrick Mahomes’ Rehab Has Motivated The Entire Chiefs Locker Room

Talking to media members during the offseason program of the Chiefs, Smith commended Mahomes for his fierce competition spirit and hard-working mentality as the once NFL MVP makes efforts to recover from the torn ACL and LCL injury he sustained against the Los Angeles Chargers in an encounter played on December 14, 2025. Injuring him put an end to the season for Mahomes and closed the book on the Chiefs’ playoff chances. However, the recent developments concerning the young man have been making people optimistic about the player. 

According to accounts coming out of the Chiefs’ offseason program, Mahomes is back to throwing practice with the help of a left knee brace.

“Pat is the most competitive dude I’ve ever had the pleasure of being around—I think he’s going the be the greatest QB to ever play the game—I owe it to him to have my best season, so he is clean.”

“Pat is the most competitive dude I’ve ever had the pleasure of being around—I think he’s going the be the greatest QB to ever play the game—I owe it to him to have my best season, so he is clean.”#Chiefs Trey Smith on Mahomes mentality during rehab.

Via @T_Armstead72pic.twitter.com/oVBWLMkDGQ

— SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) June 5, 2026

These comments come in addition to a string of testimonials from other players and coaches. Mahomes is in good physical shape and has been committed to the recovery process, Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters earlier in the offseason.

The three-time Super Bowl winner also employed a similar tone when addressing the press at Organized Team Activities. “Obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do before we get to our goals but my goal is just to be ready for the start of the NFL season,” Mahomes said. 

That confidence has also raised quite a few expectations outside the building. Recently, ESPN’s Jason Reid predicted that if Mahomes was able to recover on schedule and if he could lead a rejuvenated Chiefs’ attack, the star might be back in contention for MVP honors in 2026.

For their part, the Chiefs would prefer not to talk about any particular accolades for now. However, one thing is clear: the message being sent from inside the locker room is very loud and clear. Mahomes’ dedication has certainly left an impression, according to players such as Smith, who sees his QB’s mindset setting the pace for the whole team.

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