Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Making Good Progress in ACL Rehab

Head coach Andy Reid and team officials provide positive updates on Mahomes' recovery timeline

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:47am

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is making steady progress in his recovery from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in Week 15 of the 2025 season. Head coach Andy Reid and team medical staff have provided positive updates on Mahomes' rehab routine and timeline, with the quarterback aiming to be ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season.

Why it matters

Mahomes is the Chiefs' star quarterback and a key part of their offense. His successful recovery is crucial for the team's chances of contending for a Super Bowl in 2026. The team has also restructured Mahomes' contract to ease short-term salary cap concerns while he rehabs.

The details

Mahomes underwent surgery the day after suffering the injury in Week 15. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Mahomes is at the team's facility for 7 hours a day, working hard in his rehab under the guidance of the team's medical staff. Reid praised Mahomes' work ethic, saying he has to be held back from pushing too hard. Team VP of Sports Medicine Rick Burkholder provided more details, noting Mahomes also suffered an LCL injury that required quick surgical repair. Burkholder said Mahomes' recovery timeline is typically around 9 months, but could be a month or two shorter or longer depending on his progress.

  • Mahomes suffered the injury in Week 15 of the 2025 season.
  • Mahomes underwent surgery the day after the injury on December 16, 2025.
  • In early January 2026, Reid said Mahomes was 3 weeks into his rehab and making good progress.
  • In a February 20, 2026 press conference, Reid provided the latest update on Mahomes' 7-hour daily rehab routine.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs' star quarterback who suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in Week 15 of the 2025 season.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs who has provided positive updates on Mahomes' rehab progress.

Rick Burkholder

The Kansas City Chiefs' Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance who has shared details on Mahomes' injury and recovery timeline.

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What they’re saying

“He's around here all the time… 7 hours a day. He's in there making progress every day.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

“He attacks him and does very well, and he's in that mode right now. When you add up all the little things that allows the player to get back faster, they don't heal up any faster, they just get back to performance faster.”

— Rick Burkholder, VP of Sports Medicine and Performance, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue to closely monitor Mahomes' rehab progress, with the goal of having him ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season. The team has also restructured Mahomes' contract to provide more short-term salary cap flexibility while he recovers.

The takeaway

Patrick Mahomes' successful recovery from this significant knee injury is crucial for the Chiefs' chances of contending for a Super Bowl in 2026. The team's medical staff and coaching staff have provided encouraging updates on Mahomes' diligent rehab efforts, suggesting he is on track to return to the field in time for the start of the upcoming season.