Overview
- The Chiefs said Mahomes underwent successful left-knee surgery in Dallas and began rehab immediately, with no nerve or artery damage reported.
- Kansas City vice president of sports medicine Rick Burkholder estimated a recovery of about nine months, placing a potential return near the start of the 2026 season.
- NFL Network reported an additional LCL tear in the knee, a factor that could complicate rehab but does not necessarily extend the timeline beyond roughly nine months.
- The 16–13 loss to the Chargers ended the Chiefs’ playoff hopes, and Gardner Minshew will start the remaining games.
- Cap analysts noted Kansas City could convert up to $54.5 million of Mahomes’ 2026 compensation into a signing bonus, potentially freeing about $43.5 million in space to address roster needs during his recovery.