Patrick Mahomes’ Remarkable Recovery: Targeting Week 1 Return for 2026 NFL Season
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season concluded with a 6-11 record, compounded by a significant injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. A post-game MRI revealed a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, casting doubt on his availability for the 2026 season. Though, just over three months later, Mahomes is already back on the field throwing, fueling optimism for a swift return.
Timeline of Injury and Initial Recovery
Mahomes sustained the season-ending knee injury during a Week 15 matchup against the Chargers on December 14, 2025 ESPN. Following the injury, Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, offered a positive outlook, stating that all aspects of the injury were “fixable, correctable and it was fixed,” noting no damage to arteries, nerves, joint surfaces, or meniscus USA Today.
Rapid Rehabilitation and Return to Throwing
Mahomes underwent surgery the day after the injury, a proactive step that Burkholder believes aided his recovery. On March 25, 2026, Mahomes shared a video on his Instagram story of himself throwing a football, accompanied by the caption “Day by Day! Felt Great being able to throw the ball around today!” USA Today. He was wearing a sleeve on his left leg, likely as part of his rehabilitation process Heavy.
Targeting Week 1 of the 2026 Season
Mahomes has publicly stated his goal to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. “I want to be ready for Week 1,” he said in January. “The doctor said that I could be, but I can’t predict what’s gonna happen throughout the process. But that’s my goal, and so I’ll try to prepare myself to be ready to play in that Week 1 and have no restrictions – you know, you want to be out there healthy and giving us the best chance to win.” USA Today. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Mahomes’ ambition and history of rapid recovery USA Today.
Contingency Plans: Justin Fields Acquisition
Despite the optimistic outlook, the Chiefs have prepared for the possibility of Mahomes not being available at the start of the season. Kansas City acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets in a trade, giving them a seasoned backup option. Fields posted a 38.7 QBR in nine games with the Jets last season Yardbarker.
Looking Ahead
Mahomes’ recovery is progressing remarkably well, exceeding expectations for a torn ACL and LCL injury. While his return to Week 1 is not guaranteed, his dedication to rehabilitation and the team’s proactive approach to securing a backup quarterback position the Chiefs for a competitive 2026 season, regardless of the timeline for their star quarterback’s full recovery.