Chiefs Denied Patrick Mahomes' Request After Injury

Mahomes underwent surgery the next day. The 30-year-old immediately started rehabbing the knee with the objective of getting ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. He finished the campaign with 315-of-502 completed passes (62.7%) for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Mahomes also had 64 carries for 422 yards and a career-high five rushing TDs.

On Thursday, Mahomes addressed his injury with the media for the first time since undergoing surgery. The Chiefs QB said that he’s progressing well and that his goal is to be ready for the opening game of the upcoming season.

Mahomes also reflected on the immediate aftermath of the injury during the loss to the Chargers. The three-time Super Bowl MVP revealed that the Chiefs rejected his request to return to the game.

"Yeah, I mean obviously, I knew something had happened, but once I was able to walk a little bit, I thought I might have a chance to kind of get back into the game," Mahomes said. "You kind of go into the tent, they do the test, and they want to take you back to the locker room. And so you don't know for sure and everything like that.

"But when I was able to move, I asked one of the doctors if I could get a brace and just finish the game, but they wouldn't let me."

Mahomes went on to say that it was at that point that he realized the severity of his situation.

"And so they obviously kind of sunk in once the game ended, and then I was able to get the results from the MRI and stuff like that, which is hard, but at the same time, you got to kind of flip the script fast, knowing that it's going to be a quick turnaround to get to this season," he continued. "And so now it's just been motivating trying to push myself, like I said, as much as they'll let me push myself to be ready for next year."

It’s going to be a long and difficult road ahead for Mahomes. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid previously revealed that he expects Mahomes to remain in Kansas City to rehab his knee. This will be a significant change for Mahomes, who usually heads home to Texas with his family for the offseason.

Nevertheless, it is clear that Mahomes is determined to get back on the field as soon as possible. He will do everything in his power to be ready for the Chiefs’ first game of the 2026 season.