Patrick Mahomes completes surgery as Chiefs reveal recovery plan

Patrick Mahomes alarmed the NFL after going down late in Week 15 against the Chargers. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback grabbed his left knee and left the field with medical staff, an image that quickly spread across social media.

The situation not only eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention, it also raised questions about Mahomes’ immediate future. His pain and the way his knee bent showed this was no minor issue.

According to Athlonsports, Patrick Mahomes had surgery in Dallas to repair his ACL. The procedure also confirmed damage to his LCL, making recovery tougher. The QB will start his rehab right away, according to the Chiefs, with the goal of returning for Week 1 of the 2026 season. The team emphasized that his recovery will demand discipline and patience, but head coach Andy Reid trusts Mahomes to attack the process with the same intensity he shows on the field.

Per the Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes underwent surgery in Dallas this evening with Dr. Dan Cooper to repair the tear in his left ACL. Mahomes will immediately begin his rehab process.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 16, 2025

A worrying diagnosis

Patrick Mahomes tried to escape pressure when his left knee gave out. Former NFL doctor David J. Chao explained that video replays revealed a multi-ligament injury from the start. The speed of the surgery was another sign it wasn’t just an ACL tear.

The specialist noted that the same surgeon had handled similar cases for Jaylon Smith and Travis Hunter. That detail reinforced the idea that Patrick Mahomes faces a longer, more demanding process.

Patrick Mahomes underwent surgery tonight to repair his ACL. The timing and the surgeon who performed the surgery essentially confirms he also tore his LCL, which makes his recovery more difficult. pic.twitter.com/C1elZZrxWY

— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) December 16, 2025

Comparisons and context

Patrick Mahomes was compared to Micah Parsons, who also tore a ligament that same week. However, the Green Bay defender didn’t undergo immediate surgery, highlighting how Mahomes’ case is more complex.

Chao stressed that multi-ligament injuries require discipline and patience. Still, he offered hope. Patrick Mahomes could be ready for next season if rehab goes smoothly.

The Chiefs’ future

Patrick Mahomes finished the year with 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 14 games. Those numbers underline his impact despite the team’s struggles.

Yet the Chiefs now face months without their leader and uncertainty about how his knee will respond. Head coach Andy Reid remains optimistic, but he knows recovery will shape the franchise’s direction. For Kansas City, the priority is no longer this season—it’s ensuring Patrick Mahomes returns at full strength to compete at the highest level of the NFL.