At a Glance
- Patrick Mahomes tore his left ACL on Dec. 14 against the Chargers
- Surgery to repair both ACL and LCL was completed within 24 hours
- Recovery timeline is roughly nine months, targeting Week 1 of 2025 season
- Why it matters: The Chiefs’ playoff hopes next season hinge on the quarterback’s rehabilitation
Injured Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has outlined his comeback timeline after the torn ACL that ended his ninth NFL season, telling reporters he is focused on being under center for the 2025 season opener.
The Injury
With under two minutes remaining in the Dec. 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes fell to the turf clutching his left knee. Team medical staff immediately escorted him to the locker room, and an MRI later confirmed a complete ACL tear. The Chiefs lost the contest, eliminating them from playoff contention.
Surgery and Recovery Timeline
Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ head team physician, performed the operation roughly 24 hours after the injury, ESPN reported. In addition to the ACL, Cooper repaired the quarterback’s torn lateral collateral ligament. The expected recovery window for such a procedure is about nine months, putting Mahomes on track to return near the start of the 2025 campaign.
Mahomes said he initially underestimated the severity.
“I didn’t think it was that bad,” he recalled. “I even asked them to put a brace on so I could go back in.”
Rehab Progress
Speaking in a video posted to the Chiefs’ Instagram account on Jan. 15, Mahomes described the daily grind of rehabilitation.
“I’m hitting all the checkpoints,” he said. “The doctor kind of gives you goals to get to. I just try to maximize those-they hold me back, because I always want to go a little bit further.”
The 30-year-old acknowledged the emotional swings of recovery.
“What I’ve found out through this process is not every day is going to feel amazing,” he told the Associated Press. “You have to have somebody you trust that’s going to get the best out of you, but that’s going to keep you safe.”
Goals for 2025
Mahomes stated his target clearly.
“I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctors said I could be, but I can’t predict what happens throughout the process,” he said. “That’s my goal … to play Week 1 and have no restrictions.”
He hopes to participate in organized team activities and training camp this summer, adding, “You want to be out there healthy and give us the best chance to win.”
Support System
The quarterback credited his medical team for keeping him in check.
“Knowing me, I’m going to push it to the exact limit every single day,” he said. “There’s places you can’t go yet. You want to, but you can’t go yet. And they’re doing it for a reason. It starts with Dr. Cooper and his team, and [Chiefs physical therapist Julie Frymyer] and the training room.”
Early Reaction
Immediately after the injury, Mahomes posted on X: “Don’t know why this had to happen … not going to lie [it] hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again.”
Retired quarterback Tom Brady, who tore his ACL during the 2008 opener and later captured four more Super Bowl titles, offered encouragement.
“You’ve just got to put as much diligence into the rehab process,” Brady said. “I always feel like the faster you rehab, the faster you can get back to practicing the sport that you know you love.”
Upcoming Milestones
The next NFL season is scheduled to kick off Sept. 10, roughly nine months post-surgery. Mahomes remains optimistic despite the long road ahead.
“So, I’m excited for the process,” he said. “It’s a long process, but I’m excited for it.”
