Patrick Mahomes ACL Injury Explained by a Sports Medicine Specialist

When news broke that Patrick Mahomes suffered from a torn ACL, it sent shockwaves through the NFL and Chiefs Kingdom. One of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks was suddenly sidelined, ending his 2025 season and forcing the Kansas City Chiefs to rethink their future plans.

Beyond the headlines, Mahomes’ injury highlights an issue sports medicine providers see everyday:  ACL and knee ligament injuries can happen in an instant—and recovery is a journey that requires expert care, patience, and rehabilitation. To help break down what this injury means, we turned to Dr. Watson, a sports medicine physician practicing with NOSS and team orthopedic physician for Post University, for expert insight.

What Happened:  Mahomes Suffers Knee Injury vs Chargers

During the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes scrambled to extend a play when he took a hit that caused his left knee to buckle awkwardly. He was helped off the field and later underwent imaging.

An MRI confirmed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—one of the knee’s most important stabilizing ligaments. Subsequent reports revealed Mahomes also sustained a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear, which was repaired during surgery. “When you see the knee buckle like that, especially with swelling shortly after, an ACL injury is always a concern,” explains Dr. Watson. “When multiple ligaments are involved, it adds complexity to both surgery and recovery.”

The injury not only sidelined Mahomes, but effectively ended the Chiefs’ season and snapped their long-standing playoff streak.

Surgery & Immediate Recovery:  The Road Begins Now

Mahomes underwent successful ACL and LCL repair surgery in Dallas with renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Dan Cooper. Rehabilitation began almost immediately—a critical step in recovery. “Early rehab is essential,” says Dr. Watson. “The first phase focuses on swelling control, restoring motion, and protecting the repair. What happens in the first few weeks sets the tone for the entire recovery.” 

Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid, expressed confidence in Mahomes’ mindset, and teammates have publicly voiced their support as he begins the long road back. 

What Does and ACL Tear Mean for an Elite Athlete?

An ACL tear is one of the most significant injuries in sports, particularly for quarterbacks who rely on agility, balance, and explosive movement. The ACL:

• Stabilizes the knee during pivoting and cutting
• Prevents the knee from giving away during sudden direction changes

When the ACL tears, surgical reconstruction and extensive physical therapy are often required—especially for high-level athletes. “Quarterbacks place tremendous rotational stress on the knee,” Dr. Watson explains. “Stability is non-negotiable. Without it, performance and safety are compromised.” 

Recovery timelines typically range from 9-12 months and can be longer when additional ligaments—like the LCL—are involved.

What Does Recovery Really Look Like?

ACL recovery is not a quick fix—it’s a carefully structured process:

• Early Phase:  Reduced swelling, restore range of motion, begin walking safely
• Strength Phase:  Build quadriceps, hamstrings, and core strength
• Advanced Rehab:  Sport-specific movement, agility, and balance training
• Return-to-Play:  Gradual progression back to competition

“Rehab is just as important as the surgery itself,” says Dr. Watson. “Rushing the process increases the risk of re-injury. Patience and proper guidance are key!”

Mahomes’ return is expected sometime during the 2026 season, though experts emphasize that healing timelines can’t be rushed—even for elite athletes. 

What Does This Mean for the Chiefs & The NFL?

Mahomes’ injury has major ripple effects:

• The Chief’s 2025 playoff hopes ended immediately
• Backup, Garner Minshew, will lead the team
• Front-office decisions around protection, depth, and long-term planning will intensify
• Fans are left asking:  Will Mahomes be ready for Week 1 of 2026?

While optimism remains high, medical experts caution that biological healing dictates the timeline—not the schedule.

Why This Matters to Our Community?

While Patrick Mahomes’ ACL injury played out on a national stage, ACL tears and knee injuries happen every day in our community—to student-athletes, weekend warriors, and active adults.

“We see these injuries far more often than people realize,” Dr. Watson notes. “The biggest difference-maker is early evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.” Mahomes’ recovery highlights what matters most:  prompt diagnosis, expert orthopedic care, and structured rehabilitation—whether the injury happens on a football field or during everyday activity.

Stay Informed. Stay Active. Stay Moving.

At Waterbury Hospital Orthopedics, Dr. Watson and our sports medicine team specializes in treating ACL injuries, knee pain, and sports-related injuries, helping patients safely return to the activities they love.

If Knee pain, instability, or a sports injury is holding you back, call (203) 573-7677 to schedule an orthopedic evaluation today—and take the first step toward confident, pain-free movement.

*Insert Picture of Dr. Watson & Call out to his biography*