In December, Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, which prematurely ended his season. The Kansas City Chiefs, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions for three consecutive years, closed out the season with a 6-11 record, failing to make the playoffs. As the 2026 season approaches, there is uncertainty about Mahomes’ availability for Week 1.
On Saturday, David J. Chao, a former NFL team physician known for his injury analysis under the name “ProFootballDoc,” provided an update on Mahomes’ condition.
Thanks for the submission!
Chao, who is noted on LinkedIn as a “former Head Team Physician for San Diego Chargers,” shared three key points on X regarding Mahomes.
•
“There is no way Mahomes will be 100% healthy by Week 1,” Chao stated.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Chao’s second point highlighted that while Patrick Mahomes can throw from the pocket, his mobility will be limited.
“The Chiefs still don’t know if he’s starting Week 1; it’s only May,” Chao concluded.
The usual recovery for a combined ACL and LCL tear is typically between nine to twelve months. The Chiefs are set to open their season on September 14, which falls right at the nine-month recovery mark, against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
Also Read: “Nasty environment for Patrick Mahomes”: NFL fans react as Chiefs get “Super Bowl preview” in Week 7 game vs. $6,700,000,000 NFC team
Also Read: Mahomes destroyed league fundamentals to give Chiefs advantage over rest of the NFL: Analyst
Andy Reid says Patrick Mahomes “hasn’t missed a day” of rehab
Chiefs coach Andy Reid shared with NFL Media’s “The Insiders” on Thursday that Patrick Mahomes is “doing great right now” and has not missed any rehab sessions. Mahomes has been active on social media, posting videos of himself throwing and even swinging a golf club at his charity event on Friday, where he demonstrated the ability to shift weight onto the recovering knee.
Despite the positive updates, Reid did not commit to Mahomes starting in Week 1.
“Everybody’s different, right? So let’s just take it day by day,” he remarked.
Denver claimed the AFC West title last season, disrupting Kansas City’s hold on the division and hosted the AFC championship game. If Mahomes is able to play, he’ll face a defense that has set franchise sack records in consecutive seasons and has been particularly challenging for him compared to other AFC West teams.
Edited by R. Elahi
