Mahomes’ return will be one of the biggest highlights of the NFL next season…
Patrick Mahomes, the two-time MVP quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, is facing one of the biggest challenges of his career after suffering a serious knee injury late in the 2025 season. The injury, sustained during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, tore both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and collateral ligament (LCL), requiring surgery in mid-December 2025 to repair these ligaments.
Positive Recovery with the Goal of a Early Return
Following successful surgery performed by Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas, Mahomes immediately began physical therapy and rehabilitation in Kansas City with a focused plan under the supervision of the Chiefs’ medical team. This includes strengthening exercises, improving knee function, and gradually increasing activity levels.
Coach Andy Reid recently confirmed that Mahomes is “making great progress” in the early stages of his recovery and is expected to remain in Kansas City for most of the offseason to fully focus on rehab. Mahomes is working closely with assistant medical coach Julie Frymyer to maximize his recovery potential.
Initial assessments from the medical team indicate a standard recovery time of approximately nine months for this injury, with a possible variation of a few months depending on the progress and response of the body to physical therapy. This means Mahomes has a real chance of returning in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, which starts in early September.
Mindset, Goals, and Fighting Spirit
Mahomes himself shared in media updates that the process “is a long road, but I’m excited about it” and that his goal is to be ready for the new season and play without restrictions from the start. He hopes to participate in the Spring Outreach Activities (OTAs) and then the Chiefs’ training camp.
The management and medical team emphasize that they are not setting overly specific timelines, as they understand that recovery from an ACL/LCL injury is a process that needs careful monitoring and should not be rushed. However, the team believes that with Mahomes’ attitude and training discipline, his early return is entirely possible.
Family Support and Off-court Context
During this time, Mahomes faced challenges not only physically but also mentally. According to sources, his wife, Brittany Mahomes, played a crucial role in stabilizing family life, caring for the children, and allowing Patrick to focus entirely on his recovery. This helped the star maintain his composure and focus during this difficult period.
Off-court: New Activities and Projects
Despite focusing on recovery, Mahomes remained positive by participating in off-court activities. Recently, he announced a partnership with Adidas Golf for his own product line, a move seen as expanding his personal brand while awaiting his return to the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes is currently in a critical stage of his recovery from a serious knee injury. With the Chiefs’ strong fighting spirit, the support of his family and medical team, their goal of returning to Week 1 of the NFL 2026 is within reach — though the team remains cautious to ensure they don’t rush into anything that could have long-term consequences. Mahomes’ return will be one of the biggest highlights of the NFL next season.
