Surgery and Immediate Recovery
Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL during the Chiefs’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and the injury was diagnosed the following day. On Monday night, the quarterback underwent surgery in Dallas performed by Dr. Dan Cooper. Rick Burkholder, the team’s vice president of sports medicine and performance, reported Wednesday that the procedure went well. The operation took place roughly 24 hours after the ACL and LCL tears were confirmed.
Expected Timeline and Medical Insight
Burkholder explained that the typical recovery window for this type of knee injury is about nine months, though it can vary. “Every player is different. Every sport is different. Every position is different,” Burkholder said. “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.” The Chiefs’ 2026 season is slated to start on September 10, and a return before the opening week would be a significant advantage.
Team Impact and Backup Plan
The Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers not only ended their postseason hopes but also halted a decade-long streak of playoff appearances. It also snapped a run of nine AFC West titles, seven conference championship games, and three Super Bowls. With Mahomes sidelined, backup Gardner Minshew will lead the offense in the final three games, beginning Sunday in Tennessee. Minshew said, “Quick turnaround from a very emotional game, and obviously the situation with Pat, the situation with our team’s playoff picture,” he said. “But you know what? You are where you’re at. We have to turn this around and get a win this weekend.”
Injury List and Practice Status
Beyond the quarterback, several key players are also out. Wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton are in the concussion protocol after hard hits in the game against Los Angeles. Offensive linemen Jaylon Moore (knee) and Jawaan Taylor (elbow) are missing, while defensive back Trent McDuffie (knee) and linebacker Leo Chenal (shoulder) are also sidelined. None of these players practiced on Wednesday. Chiefs coach Andy Reid noted, “We’ll see how they roll timewise for the game.”
Rehab Team and Player Mindset
Mahomes will return to Kansas City by Friday to continue his rehabilitation with Burkholder’s staff. Julie Frymyer, his assistant trainer and top physical therapist, will lead the effort. Frymyer gained national attention during the 2022-23 playoffs for helping Mahomes recover from a severe high-ankle sprain without missing a game, and she recently appeared with the quarterback in a State Farm insurance commercial. Burkholder added, “I think you guys know, as a player, his mindset is a little different than most,” Burkholder said. “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.”
Coach and Player Perspectives
Reid has spoken with Mahomes daily since the injury occurred in the closing minutes of Sunday’s game. “He’s so positive right now,” Reid said. “Like Rick said, he attacked this thing the day of. You wouldn’t expect anything less. ‘Get me up, get me going,’ he’s basically saying, an hour after the game. ‘Brace me up and let me go.’ It’s not one of those injuries, obviously, but that’s his mindset. I think he’ll do great with the rehab. He’s a pretty fast healer that way. And his attitude is 90% of things, how you go about it. How you’re willing to push through the pain to get right.” Minshew also noted the quarterback’s continued involvement: “He’s been great, man. Soon as he’s been figuring things out, he’s been texting the QB room,” Minshew said. “Very positive. Trying to get us fired up. That dude still wants us to win. That’s what he cares about.”
Key Takeaways
- Patrick Mahomes has started rehab after knee surgery that could see him back before the 2026 season opens.
- The operation, performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, addressed torn ACL and LCL injuries sustained against the Chargers.
- Backup Gardner Minshew will lead the Chiefs in the final three games while the team manages a roster of additional injuries.
The Chiefs remain optimistic about Mahomes’ recovery, with medical staff projecting a nine-month timeline and the team preparing for a swift return to the field. The organization’s focus now is on steady progress and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the rehabilitation process.
