Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Makes Decision Amid Injury Recovery

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 10:39 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is currently focused on his recovery after suffering the most significant injury of his career late in the 2025 NFL season. The three-time Super Bowl champion tore both the ACL and LCL in his left knee during a Dec. 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury immediately ended his season and forced him to undergo surgery the following day to repair the damaged ligaments.

Mahomes has since begun an intensive rehabilitation program with the goal of returning for the start of the 2026 campaign. Recovery from ACL reconstruction typically takes up to nine months, meaning his availability for Week 1 will ultimately depend on how his rehab progresses throughout the offseason.

Encouragingly for Kansas City, Mahomes appears to be progressing well and he recently confirmed he has already regained significant mobility.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

The two-time NFL MVP has also been spotted without a protective walking boot and has gradually returned to public appearances as he works his way back toward football activities.

On Wednesday, Mahomes made his latest appearance, deciding to attend the BYU vs. West Virginia college basketball game at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. He also shared footage of himself at the arena on his Instagram stories, giving fans another glimpse of his offseason as he continues his rehabilitation.

Patrick Mahomes, Gehrig Dieter, and Blake Bell are in attendance tonight at T-Mobile Central for the BYU-West Virginia game pic.twitter.com/RIKBXMNRMY
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) March 12, 2026

While Mahomes takes advantage of some downtime during the offseason, the Chiefs have been busy rebuilding their roster after a disappointing 2025 campaign that ended with a 6-11 record and their first missed playoff appearance since 2014.

Kansas City has already made several notable moves as the franchise prepares for Mahomes’ eventual return. The team brought back offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, re-signed veteran tight end Travis Kelce , Mahomes’ longtime and most trusted target, and added reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency to strengthen the offense.

With Mahomes entering his 10th NFL season, the Chiefs are clearly focused on ensuring that last year’s struggles prove to be only a temporary setback. If Mahomes continues progressing in his recovery and returns close to full strength, Kansas City hopes that a revamped offensive unit can help the franchise quickly reestablish itself as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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