Chiefs’ Mahomes Starts Rehab After Knee Surgery, Targets Week 1/ TezzBuzz/ 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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has officially begun rehabilitation following surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left kneewith hopes of returning in time for the start of the 2026 NFL seasonaccording 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 Cooperand according to Chiefs VP of Sports Medicine Rick Burkholderthe operation was successful.
With the 2026 NFL season set to kick off September 10Mahomes is targeting a Week 1 returnthough 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 titlesreached seven consecutive AFC Championship Gamesand made three straight Super Bowl appearances before this season.
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.
The Chiefs may also be without key players including Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thorntonboth in concussion protocol, while offensive linemen Jaylon Moore (knee) and Jawan Taylor (elbow) remain out. Defensively, Trent McDuffie (knee) and Today Chenal (shoulder) also missed Wednesday’s practice.
Coach Andy Reid said decisions on their availability will come later in the week.
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.
Frymyer and Mahomes were even recently featured together in a national State Farm commercial, highlighting the close professional relationship they’ve developed.
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.
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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