Just weeks after suffering a torn ACL that abruptly ended his season, Patrick Mahomes is already outlining a comeback plan that’s turning heads across the NFL — a bold push to be back on the field by Week 1, with no restrictions.
Yes, that Week 1.
A Brutal Ending — And a Fast Restart
Mahomes went down late in the Chiefs’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, clutching his knee as Arrowhead fell silent. The defeat knocked Kansas City Chiefs out of playoff contention — and sent their franchise quarterback straight into surgery.
The procedure is already behind him. The grind is just beginning.
“They’re Actually Holding Him Back”
According to NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz, Mahomes’ rehab is progressing so well that doctors are now slowing him down to prevent him from pushing too far, too fast.
The goal?
“Get ready for Week 1 and play without restrictions.”
Doctors admit it’s possible — but they’re also quick to warn that the road ahead is long, delicate, and unforgiving.
Why This Is So Risky
ACL recoveries are rarely kind to mobile quarterbacks. The position demands explosive movement, sharp cuts, and total trust in the knee — something many never fully regain.
Just look at Kyler Murray, who needed nearly a full year to return after tearing his ACL in 2022 and has struggled to stay healthy since.
Mahomes’ style of play — scrambling, improvising, extending broken plays — only raises the stakes.
Millions on the Line
The pressure isn’t just physical. Mahomes is entering Year 5 of his historic 10-year, $450 million contract. Next season, his salary cap hit skyrockets from $28 million to more than $78 million — making his health central not just to wins, but to the Chiefs’ entire future.
Still, if there’s one thing Mahomes has never done, it’s play scared.
A Week 1 return would defy precedent.
Attempting it at all confirms one thing:
Patrick Mahomes isn’t planning a cautious comeback — he’s planning a statement.