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Patrick Mahomes just might be an alien given the latest update on his torn ACL.
The Chiefs’ superstar quarterback tore his ACL Dec. 14 and had surgery — including a repair of his LCL — the next day.
Conventional wisdom would point to a lengthy recovery process that could potentially sideline him for at least part, if not most, of the 2026 NFL season.
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reports that Mahomes is already way ahead of schedule and could be ready for the start of the season.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes grabs his knee after being injured during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers Dec. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
“His pain threshold is different, his work ethic is different,” Glazer said on the “Dan Patrick Show.”
“So, at first they were like, ‘Oh, you know, start of the season.’ I would probably hedge on him being [back] sooner than that. By far. Because he just attacks things.”
Glazer noted that Mahomes undergoing the surgery almost immediately before his knee swelled is a major factor in why he could be ready for the start of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) receives assistance for an injury during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium Dec. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
“The initial reports were kind of on the fringe there, but I want to tell you, Patrick’s different,” Glazer added.
“He got (the surgery) before it swelled up. So, that was on a Tuesday. I believe it was either Thursday or Friday that week, he was already in the Chiefs’ training room doing rehab. And he had already got his knee bending at 90 degrees at that point. He’s just different, he heals differently.”
We’ve seen that as a theme for athletes who sustain significant ligament tears, with Celtics forward Jayson Tatum tearing his Achilles in May of last year and potentially returning Friday, just 10 months later.
The Giants were not able to act as swiftly with injured receiver Malik Nabers, who tore his ACL on Sept. 28 and didn’t get surgery until Oct. 28 due to swelling.
Mahomes’ incredible return timeline certainly brings new life to the Chiefs, as many expected Kansas City to reboot their salary cap situation this season with their quarterback missing time.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Dec. 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Glazer suggested the Chiefs will likely operate as if it’s business as usual this offseason.
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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 an opportunity to re-sign Tyreek Hill as he recovers from an injury of his own.
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