Patrick Mahomes admits the hardest part of this offseason has not been the physical grind, but learning how to slow himself down after a season ending knee injury changed the trajectory of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Just weeks removed from surgery, the quarterback says his rehab is progressing quickly, yet doctors have already stepped in to keep him from pushing too far, too fast.
Mahomes tore both his ACL and LCL in his left knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, an injury that closed the door on a disappointing 6-11 campaign and snapped Kansas City‘s long playoff streak.
He underwent surgery the following day in Dallas and began rehabilitation almost immediately, determined to reclaim his starting role by the start of the 2026 season.
According to NFL Network reporter Omar Ruiz, Mahomes acknowledged that doctors have had to “hold him back” because of how aggressively he wants to attack his recovery. His goal is clear: to be ready for Week 1 and play without limitations.
“Rehab is going great so far,” Mahomes told reporters during a virtual availability. “I’ve been hitting all the checkpoints.
“Long term, I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctors say it’s possible, but it’s still a long way to go.”
A fine line between confidence and caution
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has praised Mahomes‘ dedication during the early stages of rehab, noting that consistency and trust in the medical staff are essential when returning from a ligament injury of this magnitude.
“He’s been in there grinding,” Reid said earlier this month. “It’s not necessarily fun every day, but the important thing is you keep showing up and doing the work. He’s been doing that.”
For Mahomes, this marks the most significant injury of his professional career. While he has battled ankle issues and a knee dislocation in the past, he has rarely missed extended time.
That unfamiliar reality has forced him to lean on family and perspective to stay mentally balanced.
“The kids understand that Dad can’t necessarily be the Dad I usually am,” Mahomes said. “But I’m there and I’m trying. That’s helped me mentally.”
The injury also prompted reflection on a season that fell short of expectations. Mahomes acknowledged that inconsistency, especially offensively, played a major role in the Chiefs missing the postseason for the first time since 2014.
“We’ve got to be better,” he said. “That starts with me and has to feed through the entire offense.”
With offensive coordinator Matt Nagy exploring head coaching opportunities, Mahomes emphasized what he values in any potential replacement: accountability, energy and fresh ideas.
“I want someone who loves football and wants to give everything they can to win,” he explained.
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