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Patrick Mahomes might just be an alien given the latest update on his torn ACL.
The Chiefs superstar quarterback tore his ACL on Dec. 14 and underwent 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.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports that Mahomes is already well 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 on December 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
“His pain threshold is different, his work ethic is different,” Glazer told the “Dan Patrick Show.”
“So at first they were like, ‘Oh, you know, start of the season.’ I would probably prefer it to be [back] sooner than that. From afar. Because he just attacks things.”
Glazer noted that Mahomes having the surgery almost immediately before his knee swelled is a major factor in why he might be ready for the start of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) receives help for an injury during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on December 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
“The initial reports were pretty marginal, but I want to tell you that Patrick is different,” Glazer added.
“He had (the surgery) before it swelled. So, it was a Tuesday. I think it was Thursday or Friday that week, he was already in the Chiefs training room going through rehab. And he had already bent his knee 90 degrees at that point. He’s just different, he heals differently.”
We’ve seen this as a theme for athletes who suffer significant ligament tears, with Celtics forward Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in May of last year and could return on Friday, just 10 months later.
The Giants weren’t able to act as quickly with injured wide receiver Malik Nabers, who tore his ACL on Sept. 28 and didn’t have surgery until Oct. 28 due to swelling.
Mahomes’ incredible return schedule certainly brings new life to the Chiefs, as many expected Kansas City to reboot its salary cap situation this season with its 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 on December 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Glazer suggested the Chiefs will likely operate as if it’s business as usual this offseason.
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 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 his own injury.
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