Chiefs’ Mahomes Starts Rehab After Knee Surgery, Targets Week 1/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has started rehabilitation following surgery to repair torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee. While recovery typically takes nine months, the Chiefs remain hopeful Mahomes will return in time for the 2026 season opener. Backup QB Gardner Minshew takes over for the remainder of a playoff-less season.
Patrick Mahomes Injury & Rehab: Quick Looks
- Mahomes had surgery Monday night to repair torn ACL and LCL in left knee.
- Chiefs believe Mahomes could return by Week 1 of the 2026 season.
- Recovery timeline typically around nine months, depending on progress.
- Chiefs officially eliminated from the playoffs with loss to Chargers.
- Gardner Minshew will start final three games, beginning vs. Titans.
- Multiple starters, including Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, are injured.
- Mahomes to rehab in Kansas City with top therapist Julie Frymyer.
- Coach Andy Reid praises Mahomes’ positivity and aggressive mindset.
- Burkholder: “He’s in here at 6 a.m., last one out.”
- Mahomes is already staying engaged with the QB room from afar.
Deep Look
Patrick Mahomes Undergoes Knee Surgery, Begins Rehab with Goal of Week 1 Comeback
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has officially begun rehabilitation following surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee, with hopes of returning in time for the start of the 2026 NFL season, according to team officials.
The two-time NFL MVP underwent the procedure Monday night in Dallas, a day after suffering a devastating injury in the Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers. The surgery was performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, and according to Chiefs VP of Sports Medicine Rick Burkholder, the operation was successful.
“He’s already started rehab, and we’re optimistic,” said Burkholder. “It’s typically a nine-month recovery, but that varies. Mahomes is extremely dedicated, and that could accelerate things.”
2026 Season Opener in Sight
With the 2026 NFL season set to kick off September 10, Mahomes is targeting a Week 1 return, though the final decision will depend on his progress through the spring and summer. Burkholder stressed that the timeline isn’t rigid: “It could be a month or two more or less. Every player heals and performs differently, especially someone like Pat.”
Mahomes tore both his ACL and LCL in the closing minutes of Sunday’s game — a loss that officially ended the Chiefs’ 10-year playoff streak. The team had won nine straight AFC West titles, reached seven consecutive AFC Championship Games, and made three straight Super Bowl appearances before this season.
Chiefs Shift Focus to Backup Gardner Minshew
With Mahomes sidelined, Gardner Minshew will take over as starting quarterback for the final three games of the season, starting Sunday at Tennessee. Minshew, who has 46 career starts across seven NFL seasons, acknowledged the challenge of stepping in under these circumstances.
“It’s been a quick turnaround,” Minshew said. “Obviously, losing Pat and being out of the playoff picture is tough. But we’re professionals. We’ve got to regroup and get a win.”
The Chiefs may also be without key players including Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, both in concussion protocol, while offensive linemen Jaylon Moore (knee) and Jawaan Taylor (elbow) remain out. Defensively, Trent McDuffie (knee) and Leo Chenal (shoulder) also missed Wednesday’s practice.
Coach Andy Reid said decisions on their availability will come later in the week.
Rehab Begins in Kansas City
Mahomes will return to Kansas City on Friday to continue his rehabilitation at the team’s facility, led by renowned physical therapist Julie Frymyer. Frymyer gained national attention during the 2022–23 playoffs when she helped Mahomes recover from a high-ankle sprain in record time — allowing him to play without missing a game.
“Julie knows Pat better than anyone,” said Burkholder. “He’s in the building at 6 a.m., and the last one to leave. That level of focus and routine is what helps players return faster — not necessarily heal faster, but perform faster.”
Frymyer and Mahomes were even recently featured together in a national State Farm commercial, highlighting the close professional relationship they’ve developed.
Coach and Teammates Praise Mahomes’ Attitude
Despite the season-ending injury, Mahomes remains a visible and motivational presence for the team. Coach Reid said the two have spoken daily since the surgery.
“He’s all positive,” Reid said. “Literally an hour after the injury, he was saying, ‘Brace me up and let me play.’ That’s not how these injuries work, but that’s his mindset. He’s focused, determined, and he’ll attack rehab like he attacks defenses.”
Minshew added that Mahomes continues to stay involved, even from the sidelines. “He’s been texting the QB room. He wants us to win, and he’s still leading — even if it’s not from the huddle.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the Chiefs finish a rare season without playoff football, all eyes turn to Mahomes’ recovery and Kansas City’s offseason. With a strong roster and elite quarterback, the Chiefs remain contenders — provided Mahomes returns at full strength.
His comeback journey begins now, and by all accounts, he’s ready to work.
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