Patrick Mahomes’ Surgery Update: Will the Chiefs Quarterback Return in Time For 2026 Season?

Patrick Mahomes underwent surgery to repair his torn ACL in Dallas. He will start the rehab process soon, the Kansas City Chiefs announced on their official X account.

24 hours after going down with a terrible knee injury while playing the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium, Mahomes flew to Dallas to seek the opinion of the country’s leading orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Dan Cooper. Cooper did not waste time and operated on the 30-year-old’s knee.

A Chiefs spokesperson announced that Mahomes’ ACL surgery went smoothly and was a success.

Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:

Patrick Mahomes successfully underwent surgery in Dallas this evening with Dr. Dan Cooper to repair the tear in his left ACL. Mahomes will begin his rehab process immediately.

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 16, 2025

In another tweet, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared that doctors repaired the torn LCL in addition to the ACL.

More context: Patrick Mahomes also tore his LCL, along with his ACL, sources say. While that can complicate recovery, it doesn’t necessary extend his rehab longer than 9 months or so. https://t.co/aap0zeHK5d

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2025

The Chiefs trailed by three points on Sunday in a crucial make-or-break tie against divisional rivals, the Chargers. Mahomes rushed for a touchdown earlier in the game and looked for a second deep in the fourth quarter.

Tragedy struck when he went down with a non-contact injury. His night ended, and so did the Chiefs’ dreams of qualifying for the playoffs. The medical team walked Mahomes to the MRI room, where they discovered he had a torn ACL.

After the game ended, Mahomes posted a heartfelt message to the Chiefs Kingdom.

Don’t know why this had to happen. And 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. Thank you, Chiefs kingdom, for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I will be back stronger than ever.

Patrick Mahomes tweeted

Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025

Head coach Andy Reid first broke the news about Mahomes traveling to Dallas to meet Dr. Cooper.

Patrick [Mahomes] is going to go to Dallas for a second opinion with Dr. Cooper, and we’ll just see. We’ll give you updates as we go from there.

Andy Reid said (H/T: Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports)

Mahomes ended the 2025 NFL season with 315 completions from 502 pass attempts for 3587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 422 yards and scored 5 touchdowns.

Can Patrick Mahomes return to play in week one of the 2026 NFL season?

Mahomes is a fighter, and he will do whatever it takes to complete his rehab to honor his commitment to the Chiefs. He played through minor injuries before, but an ACL tear is a different proposition.

It takes time for the repaired part to properly heal. Recovery time varies from athlete to athlete. According to theories, the athlete’s position also plays a significant role. For example, Micah Parsons‘ recovery time could differ from that of Mahomes or someone like Brandon Aiyuk, who plays wide receiver.

Edge rushers need to start, stop, cut, twist. They're also going up against 300 lb offensive lineman that they are trying to drive back or are getting driven back. Of any position other than kicker or punter, an ACL injury for a QB is relatively easy to come back from,…

— DJ Jazzy Juris Doctor 2.0 (@ChiefsfanCHI23) December 15, 2025

For a more relatable comparison, back in 2008, Tom Brady missed the entire season due to a torn ACL in opening week. It took 12 months for him to completely recover and start for the New England Patriots once more.

Tom Brady tore his ACL in 08 which was his 8th year.

Patrick Mahomes just tore his ACL….in his 8th year….. pic.twitter.com/SDz8Ii6jdF

— BroTalk (@BKsquared7) December 15, 2025

More recently, Daniel Jones tore his ACL in November 2023 and spent nearly ten months completing his rehab. Jones started for the New York Giants in week one in 2024.

The Chiefs must not force an early return to one of the best players of all time. If he misses the first week of football, then so be it. Mahomes is the glue that binds the team, earning them Super Bowl rings.

In the meantime, the Chiefs must rely on backup Gardner Minshew, who threw 3 passes against the Chargers. Minshew won Pro Bowl honors as recently as 2023 with the Colts, so he’s more than capable of anchoring the offense in Mahomes’ absence.

I don’t think I’ve ever respected anybody I play with more. I’ve never seen anybody I play with give so much of themselves to the team … I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back better than ever.

Gardner Minshew said after the game

Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew on Patrick Mahomes:

"I don't think I've ever respected anybody I play with more. I've never seen anybody I play with give so much of themselves to the team … I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back better than ever."#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/vWSoEMesbd

— Mark Poulose (@MarkPoulose) December 14, 2025

The Chiefs end the year with three games against the Titans, Broncos, and the Raiders. With playoffs out of reach, it’s time for Reid to play the bench players to avoid more injuries to first-team players.

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