Patrick Mahomes is likely to be on the field for the start of the season. But NFL insider Ian Rapoport sees a big danger.

The Kansas City Chiefs are still optimistic about Patrick Mahomes, but there is also growing caution surrounding the possible comeback of their star quarterback.

After his serious knee injury with damage to his cruciate ligament, Mahomes is still considered a candidate for the start of the season, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport is significantly lowering expectations.

During an appearance on the “Rich Eisen Show”, Rapoport was asked which quarterback he expects to be the Chiefs’ starter in Week 1.

He made it clear that while Mahomes could be ready to go, the version of the superstar at the start of the season may look different than usual.

Rapoport: “Unclear which version of Mahomes we’ll get”

Rapoport on the possible Chiefs starter in week one: “My guess is it will be Mahomes, but I don’t know what version of Mahomes we’ll get. If it’s at all possible, if he can be on the field, he’ll be on the field.“

At the same time, Rapoport cautions, ”It’s going to be unfamiliar for all of us. We’ll see Patrick Mahomes, and then there will probably be a month, or however long, where you say to yourself, ‘I see Patrick Mahomes, but he doesn’t quite seem like himself yet.’“

The NFL insider draws a parallel: ”His injury is really tough. It takes longer to recover. We saw that with Carson Wentz. He’s never quite come back as the Carson Wentz he was before.”

The Chiefs offense struggled at times last season, but Mahomes wasn’t physically limited before his injury. Now that’s added to the mix.

Chiefs build for Mahomes return

Kansas City therefore used the offseason to specifically strengthen the squad and create a more stable environment for its quarterback. There is still confidence within the organization that even a toned-down “Mahomes version” can keep the Chiefs in the AFC race. Even if it’s unclear when the quarterback will return to his absolute top level.

“It just takes time,” Rapoport added. “A big reason why they tried to improve the offensive line and signed Kenneth Walker III is that they’re going to need reinforcements until Mahomes comes back. So my guess is he’ll be back early. I just don’t know if he’s going to be the Mahomes we’re used to right away.”

The Chiefs have overcome rough patches several times in the past.

But this rehab process marks one of the most delicate situations of the Mahomes era.