On Monday night, Patrick Mahomes had an operation to fix the ruptured ACL in his left knee, an injury sustained during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Additionally, numerous sources indicate that Mahomes’s LCL was also mended during the surgical intervention. While the Chiefs confirmed the ACL repair, their public statement omitted any reference to the reported LCL work.
According to the Chiefs, Mahomes’s operation took place in Dallas, performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, who serves as the Cowboys’ team doctor. This revelation came hours after head coach Andy Reid informed journalists that Mahomes was consulting Cooper for a second medical assessment of his injury.
Although a recovery schedule remains undetermined, Reid expressed confidence before Mahomes’s surgery, suggesting a “relatively swift recuperation” is probable, assuming the operation proceeds favorably.
Reid delivered these remarks during his Monday press briefing, occurring the day following Mahomes’ severe injury, which was further intensified for Kansas City fans by the team’s playoff disqualification.
The Rationale Behind Mahomes’s Second Medical Consultation
During his press conference on Monday, Reid clarified that requesting an additional medical assessment is a standard practice in such situations.
Reports do not specify the exact timing of the LCL damage detection. Earlier on Monday, Reid was questioned about whether Mahomes incurred any meniscus or other knee injuries beyond the ACL. He directed reporters to the Chiefs’ Sunday announcement confirming Mahomes’s ACL tear.
“This is precisely what they’ve disclosed,” Reid stated. “Our aim isn’t to conceal information from you. That’s not how we operate. I endeavor to be completely transparent with you. This is the data they possess, and they’ve made it public.”
The Chiefs still have three regular-season matches remaining. However, with Mahomes sidelined and the team eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since the 2014 season, the broader attention has moved towards the future and Mahomes’ sustained well-being.
Anticipated Return Date for Mahomes to Professional Football
Even with the operation concluded, an official recovery period for Mahomes’s return has not been established. The team merely announced on Monday evening that he “will promptly commence his rehabilitation program.” ACL ruptures typically keep sports professionals out of action for six to twelve months. The precise effect of the reported LCL intervention on his recovery remains uncertain.
Before the surgery, Reid expressed an upbeat outlook regarding Mahomes’s prospects for an early return.
“The progression of these rehabilitation processes is always unpredictable,” commented Reid. “I am confident he will be collaborating with competent individuals. I am also aware of his determined approach to challenges. Provided the surgery is successful and meets expectations, I anticipate a relatively swift recovery for him due to these elements.”
Tom Brady’s ACL Rupture Occurred at a Comparable Career Stage
A positive aspect for Mahomes is the precedent of other top-tier athletes enduring ACL tears and successfully returning to elite performance. The most fitting analogy for Mahomes is Tom Brady, who experienced an ACL rupture during his ninth NFL season, mirroring Mahomes’s situation.
Brady suffered his ACL tear in the inaugural game of the 2008 season and was back on the field for the beginning of the 2009 season. Following his ACL injury, he achieved 11 Pro Bowl selections, two MVP awards, and four Super Bowl victories. Brady’s accomplishments, naturally, are extraordinary and set a benchmark no athlete should realistically anticipate. Nevertheless, Mahomes is also an extraordinary talent, and there is legitimate optimism for his full recovery and return to previous form after rehabilitation.
Mahomes pledged via social media on Sunday to “reappear more robust than before.”
The pressing inquiry now centers on when Mahomes will be fit to resume playing. The most favorable conventional prognosis (half a year) would see Mahomes’s comeback by mid-June, positioning him for readiness before training camp commences.
A nine-month recovery projection would place his return in mid-September. The 2026 season is scheduled to commence on September 4th. Any recovery extending past that would consume a substantial part of the 2026 season.
To reiterate, Mahomes’s recovery schedule has not yet been finalized. Further details are expected to emerge soon, subsequent to the completion of the surgical procedure.
