National sports talk shows — for good reason — have gravitated toward one storyline when discussing the Kansas City Chiefs over the past few months:When will quarterback Patrick Mahomes return from his knee injury?We at least have some indication of where Mahomes’ progress stands now after a Chiefs social media post.K.C. began two weeks of organized team activities Tuesday, with an open practice in front of reporters set for Thursday.The team, however, couldn’t wait to deliver news of its own, posting a video of Mahomes making a throw in practice with a heavy brace around his left knee.That answered one of this week’s biggest questions: Mahomes, who had surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in mid-December, in fact would be out there working with teammates this week, roughly five months after his procedure.Coach Andy Reid discussed this possibility during a media session earlier this month. When asked about Mahomes then, Reid struck a positive tone while remaining noncommittal about whether Mahomes was going to be able to do on-field work during OTAs.“We’ve got to see on that,” Reid said on May 2. “He is in a good position to be able to do some things.”OTAs are part of “Phase 3” of the NFL’s calendar, which is non-contact but still allows offense-versus-defense drills.Mahomes likely won’t be as mobile now as he will be later this summer after going through additional rehab. That means there’s a strong possibility Mahomes could be on the field for some individual drills this week while sitting out the team portions of practice.Mahomes stated in January that his personal goal was to play in Week 1 of the 2026 regular season.“I know he’s doing a lot of stuff right now. That’s what I can give you,” Reid said on May 2. “He is throwing the ball. He does it on his own.”Mahomes returning to the practice field this week certainly created plenty of online buzz. The QB is looking to come back from his injury on the fast track of a typical nine- to 12-month recovery period.Here’s a look at four other OTAs storylines to track over the next two weeks:A practice staple returnsPractices haven’t been the same in recent years without the booming voice of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.It’s why, with Bieniemy returning to his post this season after three years away from the Chiefs, practices are likely to have a bit more pep.Bieniemy demands discipline and attention to detail in his practice sessions, and that’s most evident in his favorite phrase, “Finish!” — an exclamation yelled to running backs, who are told to complete drills by running to the far end zone for a touchdown on each rep.Internally, the Chiefs believed last year’s 6-11 season was partly the result of the team getting away from their “small things are big things” mindset. The team was at its worst during crunch-time moments where it had thrived in the past, and perhaps Bieniemy’s constant nudgings can be part of what helps the Chiefs regain their close-game mojo.Third-year receiver Xavier Worthy is a player to watch this summer, especially with Rashee Rice missing OTAs and minicamp. (Amy Kontras / Getty Images)Who’s ready to take the next step?The Chiefs will have plenty of receiver reps to go around with top option Rashee Rice serving a 30-day jail sentence, which means it’ll be a good opportunity for other wideouts to show they’re ready for increased roles.That includes 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy, who’s coming off a down season partly because of injury. Reid revealed last month that the Chiefs limited Worthy’s route tree last year to protect him from hits over the middle while he played with a torn labrum.Tyquan Thornton also returns after performing well in the early season before getting diminished playing time late. He was one of Mahomes’ most reliable targets and was the team’s top deep-throw weapon.The Chiefs certainly would feel a lot better about their depth chart if other players showed signs of progress. That includes 2025 fourth-rounder Jalen Royals, who battled through a knee injury last season in what roughly amounted to a redshirt season. Fifth-round pick Cyrus Allen also appears to have some separation ability, though rookies also usually take some time to develop with the Chiefs as they grasp the team’s complicated playbook.How do the newbies look?The Chiefs project to need a few members of their 2026 draft class to step in as immediate starters.And while we shouldn’t come away from non-padded May practices with any sweeping conclusions, it’ll still be worth paying attention to how the team’s top rookies look next to their new teammates.The biggest focus will be on cornerback Mansoor Delane, whom the Chiefs traded up to select with the sixth pick in the draft. He has to be a Day 1 starter to justify the resources used to acquire him, so seeing whether he slots in with the starters on defense (and how he fares) will at least be an early reference point.Though it’ll be tougher to gauge the progress of defensive line rookies Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas in this passing-camp-type setting, fourth-round cornerback Jadon Canady will be a player worth watching along with Delane, as he should be tested plenty during the team’s offense-versus-defense run-throughs.Will an unexpected player emerge?Last season, Thornton was one of the OTAs standouts before later earning his way onto the 53-man roster.In other words, it’s not too early now to start making a positive impression on coaches, especially for players whose spots aren’t solidified.Tight end will be one position to watch. Is 2024 fourth-round pick Jared Wiley ready to take the next step after two injury-marred seasons? And how will 2025 undrafted free agent Jake Briningstool look after getting a full year to heal from a hamstring ailment? John Michael Gyllenborg should also get a long look as a 2026 undrafted free agent with excellent athleticism.Two standouts from May’s rookie minicamp also will have a chance to deliver a strong second impression. That includes Oklahoma running back Jaydn Ott and Missouri receiver Xavier Loyd, who performed so well that the Chiefs signed him to a contract among a group of 76 tryout hopefuls.