Patrick Mahomes may not take a single preseason snap. The Kansas City Chiefs are taking an extremely cautious approach with their superstar quarterback, who underwent surgery in December to repair torn ligaments in his left knee. Head coach Andy Reid has indicated that Mahomes could sit out all three preseason games, meaning his first live game action would come in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos on September 15. For football card collectors, this cautious approach creates both uncertainty and opportunity.
The Mahomes Rehab Timeline
Mahomes underwent surgery in December, and his rehabilitation has been ahead of schedule throughout. He participated in Kansas City's offseason program, reported to training camp on time, and has received medical clearance to practice without restrictions from Dallas-based surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper.
However, the Chiefs are protecting their most valuable asset. Reid acknowledged that Mahomes is unlikely to play against the Rams in the preseason opener, and there is a "legitimate possibility" he sits out all three preseason games. The team acquired veteran Justin Fields from the New York Jets to serve as the primary backup, giving Fields extensive preseason reps.
Mahomes has said he is looking forward to absorbing his first legitimate hit — a psychological milestone in any knee rehab. But the Chiefs would rather that hit come in a controlled regular-season environment than in a meaningless preseason game.
How Injury Rehab Affects Football Card Values
Injuries to star quarterbacks follow a predictable card value pattern:
Initial injury: Values dip as collectors panic. The severity and timeline of the injury determine the depth of the dip.
Rehab period: Values stabilize as positive news emerges. Mahomes being ahead of schedule and cleared for practice has already stabilized his card values.
Return to play: Values spike when the player returns to game action, especially if they perform well immediately. This is the catalyst Mahomes card holders are waiting for.
Post-return performance: If Mahomes plays at an elite level upon return, his card values will exceed pre-injury levels. If he struggles, values may settle at a new, lower floor.
Mahomes and Chiefs Cards at Card Source Canada
Card Source Canada has several Chiefs-related cards:
- 2022 Zenith #80 Patrick Mahomes II — At $2.99, this is an affordable Mahomes card that represents excellent value for collectors betting on his return to elite form.
- 2023 Panini Prizm #151 Travis Kelce — The Chiefs' other superstar at $1.03. Kelce's card values are independent of the Mahomes injury situation, making this a stable hold.
- 2021 Panini Mosaic #GG-21 Got Game? Mosaic Green Travis Kelce — A green parallel Kelce card at $2.99, scarcer than the base version.
- 2021 Panini Contenders #CM-THI Chain Movers Tyreek Hill — A former Chiefs star at $1.95. Hill's cards maintain value regardless of his current team.
The Buying Opportunity
Mahomes card values are currently in the "rehab period" — stabilized but not yet reflecting a return to elite play. This creates a window where collectors can acquire Mahomes cards at prices that do not yet account for his return to the field.
If Mahomes returns in Week 1 and plays at his usual MVP level, his card values will jump. The 2022 Zenith card at $2.99 could easily double or triple in value if Mahomes has a strong season opener.
The Chiefs' Broader Card Market
The Chiefs remain one of the NFL's premier franchises, and their card market is deep:
- Travis Kelce cards are stable holds — he is a future Hall of Famer regardless of the Mahomes situation
- Tyreek Hill cards from his Chiefs era maintain nostalgic value
- Justin Fields cards may see increased demand if he plays well in Mahomes' preseason absence
Grading Strategy
The Mahomes Zenith card and the Kelce Prizm card are both good grading candidates. A PSA 10 on either would significantly increase value. For the Kelce Mosaic Green parallel, a high grade is particularly valuable because parallel cards in gem mint condition command strong premiums.
Should You Buy Mahomes Cards Now?
Yes, if you believe in his return to form. Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champion and future first-ballot Hall of Famer. His card values have a strong long-term floor. The current rehab period represents a buying window before his return to the field triggers a value increase.
Be patient. If Mahomes sits out the entire preseason, his card values may not move until Week 1. Collectors who buy now and hold through the preseason are positioning ahead of the catalyst.
Browse our football cards, Patrick Mahomes cards, and Kansas City Chiefs cards at Card Source Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Mahomes is cleared to practice but may sit out the entire preseason as a precaution
- Card values are stabilized in the rehab period — a buying window before his return
- A strong Week 1 performance would trigger an immediate value spike
- Travis Kelce cards are stable holds independent of the Mahomes situation
- Grading Mahomes and Kelce cards now positions collectors for maximum resale value
