Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL during the team’s Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, and further evaluation has confirmed additional ligament damage. Mahomes underwent surgery Monday night to repair the ACL, but the timing of the procedure — along with the identity of the surgeon — effectively confirms he also tore his lateral collateral ligament (LCL), according to Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc.
Initial concerns surfaced in real time, as Pro Football Doc noted the possibility of a multi-ligament injury. “Based on the video, there was concern for both an ACL and LCL injury,” Dr. David Chao said. “His knee bows outward, stretching the lateral collateral ligament, and then buckles, tearing the ACL. That was always the worry, and tonight’s news essentially confirms it.”
Mahomes traveled to Dallas for the procedure, performed by a surgeon widely known for LCL repairs. The specialist previously repaired Jaylon Smith’s LCL after his Notre Dame injury and recently operated on Colorado star Travis Hunter, further indicating that Mahomes’ injury extended beyond the ACL.
The urgency of the operation also supports the diagnosis. While Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons — who suffered an isolated ACL tear the same day — has not yet undergone surgery. Pro Football Doc noted, "Micah Parsons, with an isolated ACL tear, has not had surgery yet despite suffering his injury the same day as Mahomes, and being the same level of superstar. The reason to move quickly with LCL surgery is that it is a true repair."
Reports from Ian Rapoport later confirmed that Mahomes also tore his LCL.
Return Timeline
Pro Football Doc described the recovery timeline for Mahomes, "There is no way for him to be 100 percent healthy for the start of next season. No one is doubting him. But the fact is, 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. Can he play from the pocket? Sure. But it might be 2027 before Patrick Mahomes is fully mobile like he was before."
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