Patrick Mahomes Suffers Torn ACL Injury, What's Timeline for QB to Return to Chiefs?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the team announced.

On Monday, he underwent successful surgery:

Kansas City coach Andy Reid revealed on Monday, per ESPN's Nate Taylor, that an MRI showed Mahomes did not suffer suffer any major damage to other ligaments.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Mahomes likely faces a 9-12 month timeline for return. This means a best-case scenario could have the quarterback back on the field in mid-September for the start of the 2026 season.

Mahomes exited Sunday's game after injuring his knee and was replaced by backup Gardner Minshew, who got the Chiefs into field goal range before throwing a game-ending interception.

After the game, Mahomes sent a message to fans, indicating that he would be back "stronger than ever":

Mahomes, 30, has generally avoided major injury during his NFL career, though he was in danger of missing a Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans last season after suffering a high ankle injury the week prior in a 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns.

He left that game in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Carson Wentz.

However, Mahomes was ultimately cleared to play against the Texans and didn't appear on the injury report leading up to the game.

Mahomes put together another strong season for the Chiefs in 2024, throwing for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 67.5 percent of his passes and taking 36 sacks. The Chiefs went 15-2 and were yet again the class of the AFC.

He's arguably been even better this year, coming into Sunday with 3,398 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, though the Chiefs have been worse (6-8 record).

With the Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention and Mahomes out for the remainder of the year, Minshew will get the call under center as Kansas City looks to close out the season.