Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Eyes Week 1 Return in 2026 After Undergoing ACL Surgery

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has begun rehab following surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee, and the team is optimistic the two-time MVP could be back early next season — perhaps even by the time Kansas City plays Week 1.

Rick Burkholder, their vice president of sports medicine and performance, said Wednesday the procedure performed in Dallas by Dr. Dan Cooper on Monday night went well. The operation happened about 24 hours after Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in a loss to the Chargers.

The recovery time for such an injury is about nine months, though it could vary by several months depending on various factors. Next season is expected to kick off on September 10, 2026, and the Chiefs could play their first game a few days later.

"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 loss to the Chargers eliminated the Chiefs from postseason contention, ending that streak at a decade. They had also won the past nine AFC West titles, reached the previous seven conference championship games and played in the past three Super Bowls.

Now, backup Gardner Minshew will quarterback them through the final three games beginning Sunday at Tennessee.

"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."

The Chiefs could be missing several big names beyond their star quarterback.

Rashee Rice and fellow wide receiver