Mahomes Injury Update: Chiefs QB Targets Week 1 Return

Mahomes underwent surgery in mid-December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. During a video conference Thursday, he said his rehabilitation was “hitting all the key milestones” that could allow him to participate in summer workouts and perhaps even training camp this fall.

“I want to be ready for the first week. The doctors told me it was possible,” Mahomes said. But I can’t predict what will happen next. The objective is to play the first week without any restrictions. »

“I want to be in great shape and give us the best chance of winning,” he added. I hope to be able to participate in the summer workouts and training camp. »

Mahomes tore his anterior and lateral cruciate ligaments on Dec. 14, in the final minutes of a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Initially, Mahomes didn’t think his injury was too serious and even insisted to medical staff that he be put in a knee brace so he could finish the game.

It was only after an MRI revealed the torn ligaments that Mahomes knew his season was over. The operation was performed about 24 hours later in Dallas.

The recovery time for this type of injury is approximately nine months, but it can vary by several months depending on various factors. The next season is scheduled to begin on September 10 and the Chiefs could play their first game a few days later.

“What I learned during this ordeal is that not every day is going to be perfect,” Mahomes said. You need to be able to count on someone you trust, someone who will get the best out of you while ensuring your safety. »

Mahomes is doing most of his rehabilitation in Kansas City with Chiefs physical therapist Julie Frymyer, who has previously helped him recover from less serious injuries. He will also travel to Dallas for consultations with the D^r Cooper and his team.

“My doctor told me I had a torn anterior and lateral cruciate ligament, but the rest was intact,” Mahomes said. Despite the severity of the injury, it was as simple as possible. There are a lot of little issues that can happen around this knee that I didn’t know about. Now it’s just a matter of rehabilitating and strengthening the cruciate ligaments. »

This turns out to be a challenge. Frymyer and Cooper have given Mahomes specific goals to achieve, and he constantly wants to go a little further, while being aware of the risks of returning too quickly.

“Knowing me, I’m going to push my limits every day,” Mahomes said. There are places you can’t go yet. You want to, but you can’t yet. And they do this for a reason. It all starts with the D^r Cooper and his team, and Julie and the infirmary. »

The Chiefs could look a lot different when Mahomes returns to the field. Not only do they have to make major roster decisions, but they could also have a new offensive coordinator, with Matt Nagy being in the running for several head coaching jobs.

Still, the change could be welcome for an offense that struggled mightily last season and was one of the main reasons the Chiefs’ streak of nine sectional titles ended.

“I know Coach (Andy) Reid, if Coach Nagy can get another job, he’ll have a very specific plan as to who he wants to recruit,” Mahomes said. I just want someone who loves football, who cares about it, who wants to give everything to win and who brings new ideas every day. This is essential to excel in this league. »