Posted on Dec 16

Chiefs QB Mahomes undergoes successful knee surgery, recovery time set at nine months

Posted Dec 16, 2025

Patrick Mahomes has undergone successful surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, casting uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming NFL season.

Why it matters: The health of Mahomes is crucial not only for the Kansas City Chiefs prospects but also for the competitive landscape of the NFL. As one of the league's premier quarterbacks, Mahomes’ performance significantly influences team strategies and game outcomes.

Mahomes suffered the injury during the Chiefs' narrow 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, a defeat that ultimately ended their playoff hopes.
Dr. Dan Cooper, head physician for the Dallas Cowboys, performed the surgery on Monday, underscoring the interconnectedness of the NFL medical community.

What’s new: Recovery from such injuries typically spans about nine months, which raises questions regarding Mahomes’ readiness for the start of the next season on September 10, 2026.

Coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Mahomes' rehabilitation process, stating, "He'll attack it, just like he does everything else... He's got good people here to rehab him."
This optimism is essential for the Chiefs, who will need their star quarterback at full strength to maintain their offensive schemes, known for their versatility and explosiveness.

Yes, but: While there's reason for optimism, it's important to recognize the challenges ahead.

Tom Brady, who himself faced a similar injury earlier in his career, emphasized the importance of diligence in the rehab process: "You’ve just got to put as much diligence into the rehab process... I think you got to get through rehab mode as fast as possible, and then you get back to training mode."
The transition from rehabilitation to conditioning is critical; any setbacks could further delay Mahomes' return to form.

What to watch: As the offseason progresses, the focus will be on Mahomes’ recovery timetable and its implications for the Chiefs' roster decisions.

The Chiefs will likely evaluate potential backup options or adjustments to their offensive strategy based on Mahomes’ expected recovery timeline.
How the coaching staff adapts their offensive playbook could prove pivotal in maintaining competitiveness without their starting quarterback.

The bottom line: Mahomes' health is central to the Chiefs' ambitions in the coming seasons. His recovery will not only impact the team's immediate future but could also shape the franchise's long-term trajectory in a highly competitive league.

The Chiefs have proven resilient in the past, but replicating previous success without their star quarterback presents a significant challenge. All eyes will be on Mahomes as he begins this critical phase of his career.

Chiefs QB Mahomes undergoes successful knee surgery, recovery time set at nine months

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 16, 2025

Patrick Mahomes has undergone successful surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, casting uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming NFL season.

Mahomes suffered the injury during the Chiefs' narrow 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, a defeat that ultimately ended their playoff hopes.

Dr. Dan Cooper, head physician for the Dallas Cowboys, performed the surgery on Monday, underscoring the interconnectedness of the NFL medical community.

What’s new: Recovery from such injuries typically spans about nine months, which raises questions regarding Mahomes’ readiness for the start of the next season on September 10, 2026.

Coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Mahomes' rehabilitation process, stating, "He'll attack it, just like he does everything else... He's got good people here to rehab him."

This optimism is essential for the Chiefs, who will need their star quarterback at full strength to maintain their offensive schemes, known for their versatility and explosiveness.

Yes, but: While there's reason for optimism, it's important to recognize the challenges ahead.

Tom Brady, who himself faced a similar injury earlier in his career, emphasized the importance of diligence in the rehab process: "You’ve just got to put as much diligence into the rehab process... I think you got to get through rehab mode as fast as possible, and then you get back to training mode."

The transition from rehabilitation to conditioning is critical; any setbacks could further delay Mahomes' return to form.

What to watch: As the offseason progresses, the focus will be on Mahomes’ recovery timetable and its implications for the Chiefs' roster decisions.

The Chiefs will likely evaluate potential backup options or adjustments to their offensive strategy based on Mahomes’ expected recovery timeline.

How the coaching staff adapts their offensive playbook could prove pivotal in maintaining competitiveness without their starting quarterback.

The Chiefs have proven resilient in the past, but replicating previous success without their star quarterback presents a significant challenge. All eyes will be on Mahomes as he begins this critical phase of his career.