# What is the latest timeline for Patrick Mahomes' return from ACL injury?

Here's the latest timeline on **Patrick Mahomes' return from ACL/LCL injury**:

**The bottom line:** Everything is trending toward **Week 1 availability** (Sept. 14 vs. Broncos).

- **Injury:** Mahomes tore his ACL, LCL, and meniscus (plus required a "cyclops lesion" removal) in Week 15 of the 2025 season, with surgery in December. *(from the Patrick Mahomes II page)*
- **Current status:** He's been participating in **7-on-7 drills** at OTAs wearing a black knee brace, showing "the familiar zip and accuracy" from before the injury. Chiefs GM Brett Veach says he's **"way ahead of schedule."** *(from the Patrick Mahomes page)*
- **Rehab intensity:** He's been in Kansas City 6–7 hours daily on rehab and has moved into the **"cutting phase"** (change-of-direction drills) — a critical test for his knee stability. *(from the Patrick Mahomes II page)*
- **The target:** Mahomes and the Chiefs are eyeing Week 1 — Coach Andy Reid hasn't set a hard deadline, but reports say it would be **"a surprise"** if he weren't available for the start of the season. *(from the Patrick Mahomes page)*

**A few expert voices on it:**

- **Sal Vetri:** "He's on track to return Week 1 and not be on the PUP list" — [hear the clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRUhxmpCYXI&t=1242s)
- **Establish The Run:** Noted his ADP is *falling* despite the positive signs, which they found surprising given Mahomes was at OTAs just 5½ months post-injury — [hear the clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FWz5spD7DE&t=690s)
- **Ron Stewart** pointed out the more complicated surgery (ACL + meniscus repair + cyclops removal) and suggested a more conservative **4–6 week miss** range from training camp — so worth monitoring as camp opens in July — [hear the clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtXhMTX3reg&t=2511s)

**One more thing:** The Chiefs traded for **Justin Fields** as insurance, so if Mahomes' ramp-up takes longer into September, Fields could start early in the season.

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Answered 2026-06-28 by ChatFFB — fantasy football answers from a live news wiki.
Source: https://chatffb.com/ask/what-is-the-latest-timeline-for-patrick-mahomes-return-from-acl-injury