Mahomes Undergoes Successful ACL Surgery, Faces Additional Recovery Challenge
A torn ACL couldn’t deter Patrick Mahomes’ commitment to recovery, as the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback underwent successful surgery Monday evening in Dallas to repair the injury. The procedure came just one day after Mahomes sustained the injury during the Chiefs’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs announced via social media that Mahomes’ surgery, performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, was successful and that the star quarterback will immediately begin his rehabilitation process. This news offers a crucial first step in what is expected to be a lengthy recovery.
Initial Injury and Swift Action
Following the injury sustained on December 14, 2025, Mahomes immediately sought the best possible medical guidance. According to Chiefs coach Andy Reid, the quarterback traveled to Dallas to obtain a second opinion, a standard protocol for significant player injuries.
Reid expressed confidence in Mahomes’ approach to recovery, stating, “He’ll attack it, just like he does everything else.” He further noted the precedent of successful returns from similar injuries among other prominent quarterbacks, adding, “He’s got good people here to rehab him, and he’ll be right on top of all that.”
Additional Knee Damage Reported
While the ACL surgery was deemed a success, reports indicate a further complication. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Mahomes also suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left knee.
The Cleveland Clinic indicates that a torn LCL typically requires three to 12 weeks to heal, suggesting this additional injury shouldn’t significantly extend Mahomes’ overall recovery timeline. However, it does add another layer of complexity to his rehabilitation program.
Looking Ahead: A Challenging Road to Recovery
Mahomes’ unwavering determination, coupled with the expertise of the Chiefs’ medical staff, will be critical throughout his recovery. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but the initial success of the surgery provides a foundation for optimism.
The team has not yet released a specific timeline for Mahomes’ return, but the focus remains on a full and successful recovery. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his progress as he embarks on this demanding journey.
This story was originally published December 15, 2025, at 10:02 PM.
Pete Grathoff has covered a wide range of sporting events for The Kansas City Star since joining the publication in 1997, including the World Series and the World Cup.
