Chiefs doctor provides fans with Mahomes’ recovery timeline
The Kansas City Chiefs medical professional spoke about the recovery of the QB.
And the cycle begins. Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has officially entered the rehabilitation phase following a severe knee injury that ended his 2025 NFL season and play-off hopes. The three-time Super Bowl champion underwent surgery soon after suffering torn ligaments in his left knee during a late season loss, and team doctors now have him working on recovery as quickly as possible.
Mahomes, 30, suffered both an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear in a game that ultimately eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention. The injury marked a dramatic turn in a campaign that saw Kansas City struggle to their first non-playoff finish since 2014.
The quarterback had reconstructive surgery in Dallas under the care of a specialist late in the week immediately following the injury. According to Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder, the procedure went well and no further complications were found.
Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025
“He’s already started rehab... He’s already on it”
“They said that everything he had in this injury was fixable, correctable. And it was fixed on Monday night by Dr. Cooper,” said Burkholder. "He had no artery damage, no nerve damage, no joint surface damage, no meniscal damage. He’s already started rehab down in Dallas. He was there first thing Tuesday morning and he’ll do that through tomorrow. Then he’ll be back here Friday.”
Mahomes began physical therapy within days of the operation, and medical staff appear to be cautiously optimistic about his chances of returning for the start of the 2026 season. “Every player is different. Every sport’s different,” Burkholder explained. “Every position is different. With him, traditionally, he’s going after it so hard and he’s so in tune with what he does, he does it a little quicker. Ballpark on this is nine months. Could be a month or two less, a month or two more. You never know what goes on and everyone’s designed bio-mechanically, and so you just have to go through it."
On Mahomes specifically, Burkholder said that he was “he attacks” his injuries, and “does very well.”
Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 16, 2025
Patrick Mahomes successfully underwent surgery in Dallas this evening with Dr. Dan Cooper to repair the tear in his left ACL. Mahomes will begin his rehab process immediately.
“He’s in that mode right now. I talked to him every day and I know coach (Andy Reid) has too. He’s already on it. He’ll return here Friday and for the majority of the rehab he’ll do it with me and my staff.”
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment