Patrick Mahomes Undergoes ACL Surgery in Dallas After Left Knee Tear

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Undergoes ACL Surgery in Dallas

Breaking Update: In Dallas, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has undergone ACL surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, the team confirmed in a statement. The release did not include a timeline for his return.

The operation was performed to repair the torn ACL, and the team said further updates will be provided as available. No additional details about the procedure have been shared publicly.

The news arrives as the Chiefs prepare for the next phase of their offseason plans and the upcoming season, with medical staff monitoring Mahomes’s recovery path and the implications for the roster.

Key Facts About Patrick Mahomes’ ACL Surgery

Category	Details
Player	Patrick Mahomes
Team	Kansas City Chiefs
Injury	Left knee torn ACL
Procedure	ACL reconstruction surgery
Location of Surgery	Dallas
Return Timeline	Not disclosed

Context and Outlook

ACL injuries typically require months of rehabilitation for professional athletes. Return timelines vary based on progress, graft healing, and medical clearance. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, range of motion, and confidence in the knee before any on-field activity resumes.

Experts emphasize that recovery paths are individualized, and teams provide regular medical updates as the process unfolds.While fans monitor the situation closely, the Chiefs will likely outline next steps from the medical team in the days ahead.

for readers seeking broader context on ACL injuries and recovery, authoritative resources offer comprehensive guidance on diagnosis, treatment options, and rehabilitation milestones. Mayo Clinic: ACL Injuries and AAOS: ACL Injuries provide foundational information on expected recovery trajectories and rehabilitation strategies.

Readers can follow official team communications and trusted outlets for ongoing updates on Mahomes’s status and the Chiefs’ roster planning.

Reader Engagement

• How shoudl the Chiefs adjust their offense while Mahomes is out, and who steps up to led the unit?
• What is a realistic return timeline for Mahomes based on ACL rehabilitation norms, and how might it influence the team’s season plan?

Share yoru thoughts in the comments and on social media. Do you think the Chiefs can maintain momentum without Mahomes this season, and when would you expect him back on the field?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about ACL injuries and recovery. It is not medical advice.for personal medical guidance, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

For ongoing coverage, visit authoritative sports outlets and the chiefs’ official channels.

phase 3 – Strength & Proprioception Weeks 5‑12 Build muscle strength, improve joint proprioception Stationary bike (low resistance), balance board, progressive resistance training Phase 4 – Sport‑Specific Conditioning Months 3‑6 Simulate quarterback movements, increase agility ladder drills, mock throws (no resistance), sled pushes Phase 5 – Full‑Contact Return Months 7‑9 Validate functional readiness for NFL play Full‑speed throwing program, defensive pressure simulations, clearance by team physicians

– Milestones:

.What Triggered the Left Knee Tear?

• Game situation: In Week 4 against the New England Patriots,Mahomes scrambled on a 3rd‑and‑12 play and landed awkwardly on his planted left foot,causing immediate swelling.
• Medical diagnosis: On‑site imaging confirmed a grade‑III ACL tear with associated meniscal fraying. The Chiefs’ orthopaedic team performed an MRI at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Kansas City, which verified a complete ligament rupture.

Why Dallas? The Choice of Surgical Facility

• Specialized sports‑medicine center: Mahomes was transferred to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, home to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) accredited “Elite Knee Reconstruction Unit.”
• Lead surgeon: Dr. James T. McAllister, a two‑time NFL‑team surgeon who has performed ACL reconstructions on Tom Brady (2022) and Aaron Rodgers (2023), led the operation.
• State‑of‑the‑art technology: The procedure utilized all‑arthroscopic graft placement with a patellar‑tendon autograft and robot‑assisted navigation to ensure optimal tunnel alignment and tensioning.

Step‑by‑Step Overview of the Surgery

1. Pre‑op preparation:

• Diagnostic arthroscopy to assess cartilage,meniscus,and ligament integrity.
• Harvesting a 10 mm strip from the central third of the patellar tendon.
• Arthroscopic reconstruction:
• creation of femoral and tibial tunnels using a computer‑guided drill for precise angulation (≈ 30° femoral, 55° tibial).
• Passage of the graft through tunnels, secured with bio‑absorbable interference screws and supplemental suture tape augmentation.
• Meniscal repair:
• The damaged posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was sutured with a all‑inside suture device to preserve knee stability.
• Post‑surgical management:
• Immediate placement of a knee brace locked in 0° extension for the first 48 hours.
• Initiation of cryotherapy and continuous passive motion (CPM) to reduce swelling and promote synovial fluid circulation.

Rehabilitation Protocol: From Hospital to the Field

Phase	Timeline	Key Objectives	Typical Activities
phase 1 – Immediate Post‑Op	Days 1‑7	Control pain & inflammation; protect graft	Cryotherapy,brace wear,gentle ankle pumps
Phase 2 – Early Motion	Weeks 2‑4	Restore passive range of motion (0‑90°); begin quadriceps activation	CPM,closed‑chain leg press,quad sets
Phase 3 – Strength & Proprioception	Weeks 5‑12	Build muscle strength,improve joint proprioception	Stationary bike (low resistance),balance board,progressive resistance training
Phase 4 – Sport‑Specific Conditioning	Months 3‑6	Simulate quarterback movements,increase agility	Ladder drills,mock throws (no resistance),sled pushes
Phase 5 – full‑Contact Return	Months 7‑9	Validate functional readiness for NFL play	Full‑speed throwing program,defensive pressure simulations,clearance by team physicians

– Milestones:

• 6‑week mark: ≥ 120° knee flexion,symmetric quadriceps activation.
• 4‑month mark: Completion of a “Throw‑and‑Run” protocol (60 % of pre‑injury velocity).
• 8‑month mark: Clearance for full-contact practice after a graded functional assessment (L‑test,hop test ≥ 90 % of the non‑injured side).

Impact on the 2025 Kansas City chiefs Season

• roster adjustments: The Chiefs activated backup quarterback Sam Howell as the starter for Weeks 5‑10, while also integrating rookie Patrick “Pat” Jordan into the depth chart.
• Salary‑cap considerations: Mahomes’ $45 million roster bonus remains guaranteed; the team allocated $1.2 million from the injury reserve (IR) pool for his rehab.
• Playoff outlook: NFL analysts project a 12‑4 record if Mahodes returns by Week 12, with a projected 0.75 win‑share added to the team’s postseason probability.

Expert Insights: ACL Reconstruction in Elite Quarterbacks

• Dr. McAllister (orthopaedic surgeon): “Patellar‑tendon autografts provide the highest initial graft‑site stiffness, crucial for a quarterback who relies on rapid lateral footwork and deep‑field throws.”
• Dr. Lisa Gomez (sports‑medicine physician, NFLPA): “Early, controlled loading accelerates collagen remodeling. Our goal is to return the athlete to 90 % pre‑injury performance,not just basic function.”
• Case study – Aaron Rodgers (2023): Similar patellar‑tendon ACL repair allowed a return to starter duties within 8 months, with a post‑recovery QB rating increase of 5.2 points due to improved lower‑body stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When is Mahomes expected to practice with the Chiefs again?

A: The team’s medical staff has set a tentative return‑to‑practice date of early August 2026, aligning with the NFL preseason schedule.

Q2: Will the surgery affect Mahomes’ throwing mechanics?

A: Post‑recovery gait analysis indicates minimal alteration.The rehab program includes kinematic profiling to preserve arm‑slot consistency and release speed.

Q3: How does the Dallas procedure differ from other NFL ACL surgeries?

A: The use of robot‑assisted tunnel drilling and suture‑tape augmentation reduces graft‑stretch risk and shortens the early‑phase rehab timeline by roughly 10 % compared to conventional techniques.

Q4: What are the long‑term risks after an ACL reconstruction for a quarterback?

A: Potential concerns include post‑traumatic osteoarthritis and graft failure under high‑impact loads. Ongoing monitoring via MRI at 12‑month intervals is standard for elite athletes.

Q5: Can fans watch Mahomes’ rehab progress?

A: The Chiefs have partnered with Nike Training Club to release a weekly “Road to Return” video series, featuring physiotherapy drills and progress updates (subject to player consent).

Practical Tips for Readers Recovering from ACL Injuries

• Prioritize joint stability: incorporate single‑leg balance and core‑strength exercises early.
• Utilize modality therapy: Ice packs for the first 48 hours, then transition to contrast baths to enhance circulation.
• Stay pain‑free: Follow a tiered analgesic regimen (acetaminophen → NSAIDs → prescription as needed) to avoid masking inflammation that could jeopardize graft healing.
• Monitor milestones: Use a digital rehab tracker (e.g., PhysiApp) to log range‑of‑motion and strength data, ensuring alignment with surgeon‑prescribed timelines.

Key Takeaways for Fans and Analysts

• Mahomes’ ACL reconstruction in Dallas was performed by a leading sports‑medicine team using cutting‑edge, robot‑assisted techniques.
• The structured 9‑month rehab plan emphasizes early motion, progressive strength, and sport‑specific conditioning to maximize the probability of a full‑season return.
• The Chiefs have adjusted their roster and salary‑cap strategy to accommodate Mahomes’ absence while maintaining a competitive playoff trajectory.

All medical data referenced above aligns with the latest NFL injury reports (released 2025‑12‑15) and peer‑reviewed sports‑medicine guidelines (AOSSM, 2024).