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Chiefs Unsure of Patrick Mahomes' Injury Timeline
Quarterback's complex knee injury has no clear recovery comparison, raising uncertainty about his return date.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:37am
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is facing an uncertain timeline for his return from a torn ACL and LCL, a complicated injury that does not have a clear precedent. While both Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have expressed optimism about his ability to start the season, team owner Clark Hunt has been more measured in his predictions. Reporter Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star believes the truth lies somewhere in the middle, as Mahomes' injury is difficult to compare to other less serious knee injuries he has recovered from in the past.
Why it matters
Mahomes is the Chiefs' star quarterback and the team's Super Bowl hopes hinge on his return to full health. The uncertainty around his recovery timeline creates challenges for the team's planning and preparation for the upcoming season.
The details
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his knee, an injury that does not have a clear recovery timeline like a traditional ACL tear which typically takes 9-12 months. The Chiefs have brought in veteran quarterback Justin Fields as insurance, but the team remains optimistic about Mahomes' ability to return, even if it's not at the start of the season.
- Mahomes suffered the knee injury during the 2026 season.
- In 2019, Mahomes returned from a dislocated knee after two absences.
- During the 2020 playoffs, Mahomes guided the Chiefs to the Super Bowl with turf toe, then won it in 2022 with a high-ankle sprain.
The players
Patrick Mahomes
The star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his knee, an injury with an uncertain recovery timeline.
Andy Reid
The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs who has expressed optimism about Mahomes' ability to return from his injury.
Clark Hunt
The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs who has been more measured in his predictions about when Mahomes will return to the field.
Pete Sweeney
A reporter for the Kansas City Star who believes the truth about Mahomes' recovery timeline lies somewhere between the optimism of Mahomes and Reid, and the more measured approach of Hunt.
Justin Fields
The veteran quarterback the Chiefs traded for as insurance in case Mahomes is not ready to start the season.
What they’re saying
“It's difficult to answer because all we have to go off of are less-serious injuries.”
— Pete Sweeney, Reporter, Kansas City Star
“If he can't go to start the season, the Chiefs have said they feel good about Justin Fields — but I'm with Reid. Answer: I wouldn't bet against Mahomes, either.”
— Pete Sweeney, Reporter, Kansas City Star
What’s next
The Chiefs will continue to monitor Mahomes' progress through his rehabilitation and provide updates on his recovery timeline as the start of the season approaches.
The takeaway
Mahomes' complex knee injury creates significant uncertainty for the Chiefs, who must balance optimism about his return with the realities of his recovery timeline. The team's ability to navigate this challenge will be crucial to their Super Bowl aspirations for the upcoming season.
