Patrick Mahomes Suffers ACL and LCL Tears: What It Means for the Chiefs and His Recovery Timeline
The Kansas City Chiefs just got hit with the kind of news no franchise wants to hear in December. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the heart and soul of their offense, didn’t just tear his ACL during Sunday’s loss to the Chargers-he also tore his LCL, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. That second ligament adds a layer of complexity to what was already a serious injury.
Mahomes is now seeking a second opinion on his knee, which is standard for players in his position-especially when the injury involves multiple ligaments. While the LCL tear doesn’t necessarily extend the typical nine-month recovery window associated with ACL injuries, it’s not something you just brush off. It could impact rehab decisions, surgical approach, and how aggressively he can attack the recovery process.
This update also contradicts what Chiefs head coach Andy Reid initially shared. Reid had said Mahomes avoided major damage to other ligaments, but that’s clearly not the case now. With both the ACL and LCL compromised, this becomes more than a straightforward ACL recovery.
The typical return timeline for an ACL tear ranges from nine to 12 months, depending on the severity, the player’s position, and how their body responds to rehab. Nine months would put Mahomes right on the doorstep of next season’s opener.
And if there’s one thing we know about No. 15, it’s that he’ll do everything in his power to be ready. Expect him to attack this rehab with the same intensity and precision he brings to the field every Sunday.
Mahomes, now 30, has been the face of the Chiefs since being drafted in the first round back in 2017. He was in the final year of his rookie deal when Kansas City picked up his fifth-year option for the 2021 season. That set the stage for a historic 10-year, $503 million extension-a contract that’s since been restructured but still stands as one of the largest in sports history.
Before the injury, Mahomes had played in 14 games this season, completing 62.7% of his passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also added 422 rushing yards and five scores on the ground-reminding everyone that his legs are as much a part of his game as his arm.
That’s what makes this injury particularly significant. Mahomes isn’t just a pocket passer.
His ability to extend plays, escape pressure, and pick up yards with his feet is a major part of what makes him so dangerous.
For the Chiefs, this is a moment that tests not just their depth chart, but their identity. Mahomes has been the engine of this offense for years, and while Kansas City has shown flashes of being able to win in different ways, losing your MVP-caliber quarterback is a blow that can’t be sugarcoated.
The road back won’t be easy, but if anyone’s built to handle it, it’s Mahomes. His competitive fire, work ethic, and leadership are well-documented.
Now, the countdown begins. Chiefs fans will be watching every update, every rehab clip, and every report with one question in mind: Will Mahomes be ready for Week 1?
Time will tell. But knowing Mahomes, don’t bet against it.