Patrick Mahomes recently posted a video of himself golfing as he continues his recovery from ACL reconstruction and LCL repair.
The video sparked optimism about Mahomes’ Week 1 availability, but Pro Football Doc cautioned that golfing is not the same as playing quarterback in an NFL game.
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL during the Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. He traveled to Dallas for surgery, which was performed by a surgeon widely known for LCL repairs.
Pro Football Doc Medical Analysis
Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc, said there is “no way” Mahomes will be 100% healthy for Week 1 after ACL reconstruction and LCL repair.
Chao said the golf video is a positive sign that Mahomes is progressing, but it does not answer the biggest football question: whether he can move, protect himself and extend plays the way he normally does.
“There’s no question Patrick Mahomes will be ready to throw and play quarterback from the pocket Week 1,” Chao said. “That doesn’t mean he can be Patrick Mahomes and do what makes him great in terms of extending plays.”
Chao said the combination of ACL reconstruction and LCL repair creates a much tougher recovery than a standard ACL tear.
“No one is doubting him,” Chao said. “But when you tear the LCL and ACL, have the LCL repaired and the ACL reconstructed, this is a much higher bar than a simple ACL reconstruction.”
Will Patrick Mahomes Start Week 1?
Chao pushed back on any certainty about whether Mahomes will start Week 1.
“Anyone who tells you they know whether Mahomes is playing Week 1 or not doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” Chao said. “There is no way the Kansas City Chiefs know whether Patrick Mahomes is starting Week 1 or not.”
Chao said Mahomes undoubtedly wants to play, but the Chiefs will not make that decision in May.
“I worked in an NFL building,” Chao said. “It’s May. You don’t make decisions for September. There’s still a long way to go.”
Bottom Line
Mahomes’ golf video is an encouraging sign in his rehab, but it does not prove he will be ready to start Week 1. Pro Football Doc expects Mahomes to be able to throw from the pocket, but the bigger issue is whether he can move, escape pressure and protect himself after ACL reconstruction and LCL repair. His Week 1 status remains uncertain.
