When will Patrick Mahomes return to the field? The answer is still unclear, but the Chiefs have outlined a nine‑month rehab plan after the quarterback’s torn ACL and LCL.
Injury and Surgery
Patrick Mahomes, 30, suffered a torn ACL and LCL in the Chiefs’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14. He underwent surgery Monday night in Dallas, where surgeons confirmed the injury was fixable and that he had no artery damage, nerve damage, joint surface damage or meniscal damage.
Rehab Timeline
The recovery time for these knee injuries is typically about nine months, though it can vary. Next season is expected to kick off 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.
Team’s Approach
Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, said, “Every player is different. Every sport is different. Every position is different. (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 added that Mahomes will return to Kansas City by Friday, where he will be assisted by the team’s staff. Julie Frymyer, Mahomes’ assistant trainer and top physical therapist, is expected to lead the way. Burkholder noted, “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. 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.”
Season Outlook
Even before the injury, the Chiefs were on track for their worst season since Mahomes was drafted in 2017. With the loss, the team (6‑8) officially missed the postseason for the first time since 2014. Mahomes had previously made the AFC Championship Game in all seven years as a starter.
The upcoming offseason is expected to bring additional changes. Travis Kelce reportedly may contemplate retirement, Andy Reid will turn 68 years old, 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 was successful with no artery, nerve, joint surface or meniscal damage.
- The team projects a nine‑month rehab, aiming for a return in the 2026 season.
- Chiefs’ 2025 season record of 6‑8 means the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Chiefs’ focus now is on Mahomes’ recovery and preparing for a challenging 2026 season, while the organization also navigates potential roster changes and cap space adjustments.
Closing
As the Chiefs wait for Mahomes to heal, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the quarterback’s recovery progresses and how the team adapts to a season without its star leader.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
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