Patrick Mahomes likely ahead of schedule in ACL recovery: report

Considering the recent update on his torn ACL, one might think Patrick Mahomes is an alien.

The Chiefs’ superstar quarterback tore his ACL on Dec. 14 and had surgery, including repair of his LCL, the next day.

Conventional wisdom points to a long recovery process that could potentially sideline him for at least some, if not most, of the 2026 NFL season.

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that Mahomes is already well ahead of schedule and could be ready for the start of the season.

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“The pain threshold is different, the work ethic is different,” Glazer said on the “Dan Patrick Show.”

“So at first they were like, ‘Oh, you know, early season.’ I would probably take precautions against that happening [back] sooner than that. So far. Because he only attacks objects.”

Glazer stated that Mahomes’ surgery right before his knee swelled was an important factor in his being ready for the start of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) receives help from an injury suffered in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 14, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)

“The initial reports were a little borderline, but I want to tell you, Patrick is different,” Glazer added.

“He had his surgery before it swelled. So it was on a Tuesday. I think it was Thursday or Friday of that week, he was already in the Chiefs’ training room rehabbing. And his knee was already bent 90 degrees at that point. It’s just different, it heals differently.”

We’ve seen this theme for athletes who have suffered serious ligament tears, with Celtics forward Jayson Tatum tearing his Achilles in May of last year and potentially returning just 10 months later on Friday.

The Giants couldn’t move as quickly against injured receiver Malik Nabers, who tore his ACL on Sept. 28 and couldn’t have surgery until Oct. 28 due to swelling.

Mahomes’ incredible comeback schedule certainly brings new life to the Chiefs; Many expected Kansas City to restart the salary cap situation this season due to their quarterback’s missing time.

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up before his game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Kansas City, MO. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Glazer said it will likely be business as usual for the Chiefs this summer.

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Kansas City had a nightmare season in 2025, going 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time with Mahomes on the roster.

The Chiefs are in the process of reshaping the team. They traded star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams and have the opportunity to re-sign Tyreek Hill while he recovers from his own injury.

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