Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes aims to be prepared for Week 1 of ’26
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared with reporters on Thursday that doctors have indicated he might be prepared for Week 1 of next season following the tearing of two ligaments in his left knee. “I want to be ready for Week 1,” Mahomes stated in his initial remarks since the injury. The doctors indicated that I could, but I am unable to foresee what will occur during the process. The objective is to participate in Week 1 without any limitations. Your goal is to be out there in good health and provide us with the best opportunity to succeed. I look forward to participating in OTAs and training camp and being able to contribute during that time.
Mahomes sustained tears to his ACL and LCL during a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, effectively ending the Chiefs’ chances of making the playoffs. Kansas City concluded the season with a record of 6-11, wrapping up with a six-game losing streak, which included three games played without Mahomes.
Mahomes has a reason to feel hopeful about his recovery from injury, considering the knee damage could have been more severe. “My doctor informed me that while I had issues with the ACL and the LCL, everything else was in good condition,” Mahomes stated. “Despite the severity of the situation, it was as tidy as possible.” There are numerous minor issues that could arise with that knee that I was previously unaware of. Now, the focus is on rehabilitation and ensuring the ACL and LCL are properly healed.
Mahomes had surgery in Dallas the day following his injury and started rehabilitation four days afterward.
The three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time league MVP has remained in Kansas City to conduct the majority of his rehabilitation with the team’s physical therapist. “Knowing me, I’m going to push it to the exact limit every single day,” Mahomes stated. There are places you cannot access at this time. You desire to go, but the time isn’t right yet. They have a purpose behind their actions. It begins with Dr. Dan Cooper and his team, along with physical therapist Julie Frymyer, in the training room.
The 2026 season is anticipated to commence on Thursday, Sept. 10, with the majority of teams scheduled to play on Sunday, Sept. 13. This timeline provides Mahomes with approximately nine months to recover from his injury before the date he aims to return.
Mahomes, 30, concluded the 2025 season with 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, in addition to a career-high 422 rushing yards and five touchdowns over 14 games. The ligament tear marks the initial significant injury of his NFL career.
