ESPN analyst not surprised by rumored timeline return for Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes

Adam Schultz

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ESPN analyst not surprised by rumored timeline return for Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes image

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is already attacking his rehab for his torn ACL, with the three-time Super Bowl champ already having surgery to repair his knee.

There was a thought that Mahomes, who was looking at roughly a 12-month lay-off, could return by the middle of November next year, but over the past 24 hours, we have heard differing opinions.

With Patrick already having surgery on Monday, nine months and the start of the 2026 season isn't off the table for the All-Pro, and for ESPN's Adam Schefter, who was speaking on his podcast, he wouldn't be surprised if Mahomes is starting Week 1.

"I think it'll be a surprise if he's not ready for opening day of 2026," Schefter said. "Because he's Patrick Mahomes. Because he's already set into motion the chain of events that will bring him back sooner. Usually, I'm not a doctor, but usually when players tear their ACL, they wait a couple of weeks, wait for the swelling to go down and then have the surgery.

"It's amazing to me that he did it right away, I don't hear that very often or at all."

More: Chiefs' Andy Reid has defiant message on season approach without playoffs

Chiefs won't rush Mahomes back

Mahomes wanting to be back for Week 1 is one thing, but the Chiefs clearing him is another.

The Chiefs won't push the envelope with their star quarterback in the hopes of getting him back early; that's a recipe for disaster.

Yes, there is a real chance Patrick can return in time to start the 2026 season, but Kansas City will be cautious with its biggest asset and take the slow approach. It won't matter if Patrick misses the first handful of games as long as he's fully healthy.

So, wanting to get back early is one thing. Doing it safely is another.

And you can bet that, as hard as Mahomes will be pushing to return sooner rather than later, the Chiefs won't put No. 15 at risk for the sake of an early return.

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Staff Writer