Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL injury in December and faced a nine-month rehab process, but the two-time MVP could see the field in swifter time
17:26 ET, 25 Mar 2026
Patrick Mahomes' ACL tear left his involvement in the 2026 season up in the air
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Patrick Mahomes' ACL tear left his involvement in the 2026 season up in the air(Image: Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes delighted Kansas City Chiefs fans by posting a clip of his rehab progress on social media.
Back in December, with just under two minutes remaining in a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes suffered a torn ACL injury. The quarterback suffered the injury when he threw an incompletion while pursued by LA defensive end Da'Shawn Hand, with Mahomes left writhing in pain on the turf for several minutes.
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Upon review, his untouched left knee flexed backward as he planted his leg into the ground, which was the moment he suffered the injury. Mahomes’ injury capped a difficult season; the Chiefs also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
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Given the injury occurred in December, speculation has surrounded whether Mahomes will start under center in Week 1 when the Chiefs begin their 2026 NFL season. If the 30-year-old has his way, the answer will be a resounding yes.
Just over 100 days after suffering his devastating injury, Mahomes took to social media to post a video showing him dropping back and throwing. His left knee and leg are in a full compression sleeve, and his mobility was remarkably impressive given how soon after his injury the clip was shot.
The caption read: “Day by Day! Felt Great being able to throw the ball around today!”
The four-second clip showed the three-time Super Bowl champion showing off his movement, dropping back at a solid tempo to demonstrate the progress he has made during his rehab. He then appeared to throw an intermediate pass, displaying an effective follow-through.
Mahomes’ surgery was undertaken by Dallas Cowboys head team physician Dr. Dan Cooper, who also repaired the torn LCL in Mahomes’ left knee at the same time.
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Patrick Mahomes showed off his improving mobility as rehab continues
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Patrick Mahomes showed off his improving mobility as rehab continues(Image: Instagram / @PatrickMahomes)
Shortly after the surgery, Mahomes acknowledged the Chiefs’ Week 1 game in September was his target return date. It’s unclear who the opponent will be, or whether the game will be at Arrowhead Stadium or on the road.
“The doctors said I could, but I can't predict what happens throughout the process,” Mahomes said. “That's the goal, to play Week 1 and have no restrictions.
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“You want to be out there healthy and give us the best chance to win. I hope to do some things in OTAs and training camp and be able to do things there.”
If the video shows anything, it is that Mahomes and the Chiefs are optimistic about that goal. The quarterback may even take part in the team’s voluntary offseason practices, even if he does so in a limited capacity.
Last season, Mahomes threw for 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across 14 games. But for 2026 and beyond, he has a new backfield weapon to lean on; Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker signed a three-year deal worth up to $45 million to join the Chiefs.