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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been cleared to participate in the start of training camp, checking off one of the major goals that the two-time MVP set for himself when he underwent surgery late last year to repair torn ligaments in his left knee.
Mahomes said Friday he visited earlier this week with Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas-based orthopedic surgeon who performed the operation, and that he met all the benchmarks necessary to report to Missouri Western State University on time.
The Chiefs begin practice Saturday for rookies, quarterbacks and players coming off injuries. Full-squad work is next week.
None of those players is more important than Mahomes, who hurt his knee late in a loss to the Chargers in December. He underwent surgery immediately afterward, and rather than spend the offseason at his Texas home like usual, Mahomes toiled away at the Chiefs' practice facility, pushing forward with his rehab so he would be ready to go by the late-July start of camp.
From player to coach
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- DeAndre Hopkins is with the New England Patriots for training camp this week.
The three-time All-Pro receiver isn't there for a tryout, though. He's exploring coaching opportunities.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel says Hopkins will shadow staff members when New England opens practice on Tuesday. Hopkins, a free agent who played under Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans in 2023, has played 13 NFL seasons.
Now 34, he went unsigned this offseason. Vrabel emphasized that Hopkins is not trying out but is helping the offensive coaches.