Total Pro Sports
Patrick Mahomes has a target date in mind for a potential return.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Aside from Mahomes’ devastating injury, the Chiefs are also out of the playoffs.
The elimination is the first of Mahomes’ career. The Chiefs have been involved in the postseason every year since he was drafted. The last time they missed out was in 2014.
Mahomes’ knee buckled under him as the game neared the end of the fourth quarter, appearing to hyperextend while he attempted a scramble.
He needed help getting into the locker room, and it was later announced that his season was over.
Why? A torn ACL.
While such an injury could be a turning point in one’s career, i.e., for the worse, Mahomes already has eyes set on a return date. At least that’s how Adam Schefter sees it.
The ESPN insider discussed the injury on his ‘The Adam Schefter Podcast’, outlining the player’s rehab approach.
Mahomes has already undergone surgery, which is not typical for an injury of this nature. It’s considered to be a massive risk, but Schefter believes it’s because the QB intends to play in Week 1 next season.
“I don’t remember the last time that I remember hearing about a player tearing his ACL on Sunday and having surgery on Monday,” he said.
“That was extreme, that was immediate, and that sent a message to me that Patrick Mahomes already is locked in on getting back for Opening Day 2026,” Shefter added.
“The typical timeline for an injury like this is nine months to recover from,” Schefter continued. “Nine months from December 15th is September 15th — the season starts about a week before. Patrick Mahomes is different… I think it’ll be a surprise if he’s not ready for Opening Day.”
Patrick Mahomes appears to be hellbent on being back in time for Opening Day 2026.
A look at the chance of that and the NFL’s biggest storylines with @tyschmit:
🎧 https://t.co/rqCwGVoROQ pic.twitter.com/L5CFGHfizJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 16, 2025
Tom Brady has also shared thoughts on Mahomes’ injury. The former Patriots and Buccaneers star also underwent surgery for a torn ACL in 2008.
**“When you go through the rehab process, you need that same level of focus and determination,” Brady said on his ‘Let’s Go!’ podcast. “It’s a tough rehab. It’s one of the toughest rehabs.”
There are striking similarities between Mahomes’ and Brady’s injuries. For one, they both came after they’d won their third Super Bowl.
Brady went on to win four more after his knee surgery. Mahomes will hope the sequence also applies to him.
