Patrick Mahomes Eyes Week 1 Comeback After ACL Tear - But the Road Ahead Is Steep
Patrick Mahomes isn’t wired like most quarterbacks - and his recovery timeline is proving it.
After suffering a torn ACL in a late-season game against the Chargers that ended both his year and the Chiefs’ playoff hopes, the Kansas City superstar is already setting his sights on a Week 1 return. That’s ambitious, to say the least. But if there’s one guy in the league you don’t bet against, it’s Mahomes.
According to NFL Network's Omar Ruiz, Mahomes’ rehab is progressing well - so well, in fact, that his doctors are reportedly holding him back from pushing too hard too soon. The 30-year-old quarterback has already undergone surgery and is now focused on getting back to full speed in time for the start of the 2026 season.
His goal? Suit up for Week 1 with no restrictions.
That’s a lofty target, especially considering the nature of the injury. A torn ACL is no small hurdle, particularly for a quarterback whose game is built on mobility, off-script creativity, and the ability to extend plays outside the pocket. Mahomes isn't just a pocket passer - his legs are a huge part of what makes him elite.
His medical team isn’t ruling out the possibility of a Week 1 return, but they’re also clear: there’s a long road ahead.
And recent history reminds us just how tricky that road can be. Take Kyler Murray, for example.
The Cardinals QB tore his ACL late in the 2022 season and didn’t return until nearly a year later. Even then, it took time for him to regain his rhythm - and he’s struggled to stay consistently healthy since.
It’s a cautionary tale, not a prediction, but it underscores the reality: recovery from this kind of injury is rarely linear, and returning to pre-injury form is never guaranteed.
That said, Mahomes is in a different category. He’s a generational talent with an elite work ethic, and he’s backed by one of the best medical and performance staffs in the NFL. If anyone can beat the timeline, it’s him.
Still, the stakes are high. Mahomes is heading into the fifth year of his massive 10-year, $450 million extension.
His cap hit is set to jump from $28 million to over $78 million next season - a significant leap that will shape how the Chiefs build around him moving forward. His health, mobility, and ability to perform at his usual MVP level aren’t just important for Kansas City’s on-field success - they’re foundational to the franchise’s long-term plans.
So while the idea of Mahomes running out of the tunnel in Week 1 is thrilling for Chiefs fans, it’s also a storyline that will require patience. The Chiefs - and Mahomes himself - know that rushing back too soon could jeopardize more than just one season.
For now, all eyes will be on his rehab. And if we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s this: never count out Patrick Mahomes. But also, don’t underestimate the mountain he’s climbing.