🏈 Patrick Mahomes Eyes Comeback: Targeting Week 1 Return After Major Injury

🏈 Patrick Mahomes Eyes Comeback: Targeting Week 1 Return After Major Injury

Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is giving Chiefs Kingdom hope with his latest injury update as he targets a return for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season following the devastating knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. The three-time Super Bowl champion suffered tears to both his ACL and LCL in his left knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, an injury that not only sidelined him for the rest of the season but also abruptly halted the Chiefs’ playoff hopes.
Reuters
Since undergoing surgery on December 15, 2025, Mahomes has steadily progressed through his rehabilitation. Speaking publicly for the first time since the procedure, he shared that his recovery is going well and hitting important benchmarks, though he acknowledges that the road back is long and unpredictable. “Obviously, I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctor said I could be, but you can’t predict what’s going to happen throughout the process,” Mahomes told reporters during his latest media update.
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite the uncertainty, Mahomes is optimistic. His goal isn’t just to be present in the season opener — he wants to play without restrictions and be fully prepared to lead the Chiefs offense. He hopes to participate in OTAs and training camp this offseason and work his way back into peak form alongside his teammates.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has also praised Mahomes’ work ethic and progress, noting that the quarterback has been “grinding” through his rehab with the team’s physical therapy staff and sticking close to Kansas City during the recovery process. The relationship with Chiefs physical therapist Julie Frymyer has been a major positive, giving Mahomes confidence as he pushes toward his ambitious return.

The typical recovery time for an ACL and LCL tear is around nine months — putting Mahomes right up against the start of the 2026 season if everything goes according to plan. But with his competitive mindset and access to top-tier medical support, Mahomes believes he has a real shot at being ready when the Chiefs kick off next year.
AOL
For fans, this comeback timeline isn’t just a medical update — it’s a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief from one of the NFL’s greatest modern icons. Stay tuned as Mahomes continues his rehabilitation journey — Chiefs Kingdom is watching and rooting for every milestone. 🏆🔥