Patrick Mahomes, a three‑time Super Bowl MVP, suffered a devastating knee injury in a recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers. At 30 years old, the Chiefs’ star quarterback was sidelined, leaving fans across the league to wonder when he will return to the field. The Chiefs’ season has been marred by injuries and a record that fell below .500. This injury has become the central focus of the team’s off‑season.
Injury Details
Mahomes, 30, tore both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) during the loss on Sunday. The torn ligaments were identified during a routine medical evaluation after the game. The injury occurred in the second half, as the Chiefs struggled to keep pace with the Chargers. The torn ligaments are critical to knee stability, and their damage prompted an immediate surgical evaluation.
Surgery Details
On Monday night, Mahomes underwent surgery in Dallas. The operation was performed by a team of specialists in Dallas, focusing on repairing the torn ACL and LCL. The surgical team worked to restore the integrity of the knee joint. The quick turnaround from injury to operation provided early optimism that the quarterback could return to play in the early part of the next season.
Surgeons Assessment
Surgeons confirmed that the injury was fixable and that Mahomes had no artery damage, nerve damage, joint surface damage, or meniscal damage. The assessment also ruled out damage to arteries, nerves, joint surfaces, or menisci. This comprehensive evaluation gave the team confidence in the surgical outcome, indicating that the primary concerns were the torn ligaments and that no additional structural compromise existed beyond what was addressed in the operation.
Rehab Timeline
The typical recovery time for a torn ACL and LCL is about nine months, though individual variation can shift the timeline by a month or two either way. The Chiefs’ medical staff communicated that a nine‑month window is the ballpark estimate, acknowledging that Mahomes may return slightly earlier or later depending on his healing progress. This nine‑month estimate aligns with the typical recovery for ACL and LCL repairs, and the team acknowledges that individual healing rates can cause the timeline to shift.
Chiefs Schedule
The 2026 NFL season is slated to begin on September 10, 2026, which is just under nine months after Mahomes’ injury on December 14. The Chiefs’ first regular‑season game is scheduled for September 13, the opening Sunday of the season, meaning that the team will be ready to play if Mahomes has fully recovered by then. The NFL’s 2026 season start date of September 10 places the Chiefs’ first game on September 13, and if Mahomes recovers on schedule, the Chiefs could field a full team.
Burkholder Quote
Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, emphasized the individual nature of recovery. He said, ‘Every player is different. Every sport is different. Every position is different,’ and added that Mahomes’ familiarity with his own body allows him to progress a little quicker. Burkholder noted that the ballpark estimate remains nine months, but the timeline could shift by a month or two either way. Burkholder noted that Mahomes’ familiarity with his own body allows him to progress a little quicker.
Rehab Staff
Mahomes plans to return to Kansas City by Friday, where Burkholder and his staff will assist in his rehabilitation. Julie Frymyer, who serves as Mahomes’ assistant trainer and top physical therapist, is expected to lead the rehab program, according to Burkholder’s confirmation on Wednesday. Burkholder and his staff will be in Kansas City to support Mahomes’ rehabilitation. Julie Frymyer’s role as assistant trainer and top physical therapist is critical to the rehab plan.
Burkholder Second Quote
Burkholder added, ‘I think you guys know, as a player, his mindset is a little different than most. 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.’ He further explained that when all the small details are combined, the player gets back to performance faster, even if the healing process itself is unchanged. Burkholder emphasized the importance of a regimented routine in accelerating performance readiness.
Team Record
Before the injury, the Chiefs were already on a downward trajectory, and the loss to the Chargers pushed them to a 6‑8 record. This marks the first time the franchise has missed the playoffs since 2014. Mahomes had previously guided the team to the AFC Championship Game in all seven years as a starter. The Chiefs’ 6‑8 record places them 12th in the AFC West.
Offseason Changes
The upcoming offseason is expected to bring significant changes beyond Mahomes’ injury status. Reports suggest that Travis Kelce may contemplate retirement and, in a separate rumor, could marry Taylor Swift. Andy Reid will turn 68, and the Chiefs currently project a $-35.5 million cap space deficit, ranking 31st in the NFL. The Chiefs’ projected cap space deficit of $-35.5 million reflects the team’s financial position.
Key Takeaways
- Mahomes’ knee injury involves a torn ACL and LCL, with surgery completed in Dallas.
- The projected rehab window is roughly nine months, aligning with the start of the 2026 season.
- The Chiefs’ 6‑8 record and first playoff miss since 2014 underscore the season’s challenges.
Conclusion
As the Chiefs navigate a season marked by injury and unexpected setbacks, the focus remains on Mahomes’ recovery and the team’s ability to rebuild. The medical staff’s optimism, coupled with the structured rehab program, offers hope that the franchise can return to its competitive footing by the start of the 2026 season. The Chiefs’ future hinges on Mahomes’ healing and the team’s capacity to adjust to roster changes.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Chiefs will rely on depth players and strategic adjustments while Mahomes recovers. Fans and analysts will monitor progress through updates from the medical team. The team’s long‑term plans will incorporate Mahomes’ rehabilitation timeline into roster moves.
Transition Plan
The Chiefs’ front office is working closely with the medical staff to ensure a smooth transition back to practice. They have scheduled a series of graded exercises designed to gradually reintroduce load and monitor knee stability. The team’s coaching staff will also evaluate alternative play‑calling strategies that can accommodate Mahomes’ return in a phased manner.
Final Note
With these measures in place, the Chiefs aim to protect Mahomes’ health while maintaining competitive momentum. The organization remains committed to supporting Mahomes throughout his recovery journey and the Chiefs community.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
With over 7 years of experience in digital media, I specialize in reporting on breaking news, local culture, community affairs, and impactful events shaping the City of Angels. My passion lies in telling stories that matter — stories that inform, engage, and empower readers.
At newsoflosangeles.com, I focus on delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely content while keeping our audience at the heart of every story. Whether it’s the latest city developments, cultural highlights, or human-interest stories, I aim to bring clarity, context, and credibility to every piece I publish.
When I’m not reporting, you’ll likely find me exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, meeting locals, and discovering new stories worth telling.
Stay connected, stay informed — and thanks for being part of our community at newsoflosangeles.com.
