Patrick Mahomes, 30, tore his ACL and LCL in a Sunday defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, setting a nine‑month rehab clock that could see him back on the field early next season.
Injury and Surgery
Mahomes suffered the torn ligaments during the Chiefs’ 31‑20 loss on December 14. He underwent surgery Monday night in Dallas, a swift turnaround that gave the team optimism about an early 2026 return. Surgeons confirmed the injury was fixable and noted there was no artery damage, nerve damage, joint surface damage or meniscal damage.
Expected Recovery Timeline
The typical recovery time for these knee injuries is about nine months, but it can vary. The next NFL season is slated to begin on Sept. 10, 2026 – just under nine months from the time of Mahomes’ injury – and the Chiefs could play their first game a few days later on Sept. 13, the first Sunday of the season.
Medical Staff Insight
“Every player is different. Every sport is different. Every position is different,” said Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance. “(Mahomes) is so in tune to what he does, he does it a little quicker. Ballpark on this is nine months, but it could be a month or two more, a month or two less.”
Burkholder also highlighted the quarterback’s disciplined approach to rehab. “I think you guys know, as a player, his mindset is a little different than most,” he said. “He’s so regimented in what he does. He’s in here at 6 a.m. He’s the last guy out at night. He’ll take the rehab like that.”
When he added, “When you add up all the little things, that allows the player to get back faster. They don’t heal up faster, they just get back to performance faster.”
Return to Kansas City
The two‑time league MVP plans to return to Kansas City by Friday, where Burkholder and his staff will assist his rehab efforts. Julie Frymyer, who is Mahomes’ assistant trainer and top physical therapist, is expected to lead the way, Burkholder confirmed Wednesday.
Chiefs’ Season Context
Even before the injury, the Chiefs were already on a downward trajectory, heading toward their worst season since Mahomes was drafted in 2017. With Sunday’s loss, the team fell to 6‑8, officially missing the postseason for the first time since 2014. Mahomes had previously taken the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game in all seven years as a starter.
Offseason Speculation
The upcoming offseason is expected to bring significant change for Kansas City beyond Mahomes’ uncertain injury status. Reports suggest that Travis Kelce may contemplate retirement and, in a surprising personal development, plans to marry Taylor Swift. Head coach Andy Reid will turn 68, and the Chiefs currently have a projected $‑35.5 million in cap space, ranking 31st in the NFL.
Key Takeaways
- Mahomes’ ACL and LCL surgery sets a nine‑month rehab timeline, with a potential return by early 2026.
- Chiefs’ medical staff emphasize the quarterback’s disciplined rehab regimen and quick recovery potential.
- The team’s 6‑8 record has ended their postseason streak, and offseason changes loom.
The Chiefs’ focus now shifts to navigating a challenging recovery for their star quarterback while preparing for a season that may see new leadership and roster adjustments. Fans will watch closely as the medical team and coaching staff work to bring Mahomes back to peak performance.
