Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is attended to by team medical staff following an injury against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Chiefs provide Patrick Mahomes update after ACL surgery

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is already working his way toward a comeback.

On Monday, a little over 24 hours after the two-time MVP suffered a season-ending torn ACL in a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) that knocked the Chiefs (6-8) from playoff contention, the team announced via social media that Mahomes underwent successful surgery in Dallas.

"Mahomes will begin his rehab process immediately," the Chiefs statement continued.

Patrick Mahomes wasting no time in ACL recovery

Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:

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.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 16, 2025

Mahomes' injury puts the Chiefs, who had made 10 consecutive playoff appearances from 2015-24, in unfamiliar territory with an uncertain future. But his prompt ACL surgery gives the team hope that its leader will be available for the majority of 2026.

Recovery timelines differ from person to person, yet barring a setback, Mahomes might be able to make a return by October. We wouldn't be surprised if he made it back sooner.

In 2020, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow tore his ACL and MCL in mid-November but was ready for Week 1 of the 2021 season. Last year, New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill tore his ACL on Dec. 1, 2024 but was moved to the active list in Week 5 earlier this season.

Mahomes has wowed football fans ever since becoming the Chiefs starting quarterback, making countless plays that hardly seem possible. With him already tackling his rehab from a torn ACL, his most unbelievable act might be on its way.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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