ACL recovery time in NFL: How Patrick Mahomes' injury compares to other players, impacts Chiefs future

Daniel Mader

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ACL recovery time in NFL: How Patrick Mahomes' injury compares to other players, impacts Chiefs future image

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After years of dominance, the 2025 season has not been good for the Kansas City Chiefs, by multiple points of view. In Week 15, it all came crashing down.

Not only were the Chiefs ruled out of playoff contention as they dropped to 6-8, but late in the fourth quarter of their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes went down with an injury that was later diagnosed as a torn ACL.

From the start, it appeared to be a knee injury for Mahomes, who then limped back to the locker room with trainers. Postgame, head coach Andy Reid said the injury “didn’t look good," leaving some worry for the potential worst-case scenario that was later confirmed: a torn ACL.

Here's the latest on Mahomes' injury, as well as a breakdown of how ACL injuries have impacted players' recovery in the past. 

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Patrick Mahomes injury details

Following testing, Mahomes was officially diagnosed with a torn ACL on Sunday night, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game," the Chiefs said in a statement. "Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options."

Mahomes also shared a message to fans on social media.

"Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie [it] hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again," Mahomes wrote. "Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever."

After Week 15,  Andy Reid said he was set to undergo an MRI to determine the severity and that it “didn’t look good.”

In the fourth quarter against the Chargers, Mahomes was tackled to the ground, and in the process, he had his leg get pulled on a bit while caught under his defender.

He remained on the ground in pain, grabbing at his left knee.

Mahomes was then helped back to the locker room, before tests confirmed his torn ACL.

ACL recovery time in the NFL

The recovery time for ACL injuries in the NFL is dependent on the severity. Mahomes' is considered fully torn, per the Chiefs, but his official timetable for recovery has not yet been revealed.

Because ACLs are responsible for many rapid movements, especially in football, the average recovery time can be anywhere from 6-12 months in the NFL, with a wide range based on the extent of the tear, whether not surgery is required, the player's age, and plenty more.

Per Bass Medical Group, a torn ACL that requires surgery and rehab typically carries an 8-12 month recovery timeline in the NFL. Meanwhile, a mild MCL sprain is a 2-6 week recovery, and a complete MCL rupture is 3-6 months.

Torn ACL grades

The severity of a torn ACL is determined in a grading system, like some other injuries.

Grade 1 (mild stretch)

The least severe type of ACL injury is a Grade 1 ailment, which means the ligament was stretched but is still intact. In this case, someone may have some mild pain and swelling, but it would not require surgery.

Grade 2 (partial tear)

A Grade 2 ACL tear means the ligament is loose, or partially torn. Surgery may depend on the severity of the injury, as it can sometimes heal non-surgically.

Grade 3 (complete tear)

The worst-case scenario with ACL injuries is a complete tear, which is a Grade 3. The ligament is in two pieces, leading to knee instability and more severe pain. This often requires surgery to repair.

Notable NFL players with torn ACLs

In the 2025 season alone, recent NFL players to be diagnosed with torn ACLs, in some capacity, include New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Nabers' injury came in September, and an MRI confirmed a season-ending torn ACL. He is expected to return by the start of the 2026 season.

Ertz's injury was more recent, as he took a big hit in Week 14 that resulted in a torn ACL diagnosis. It's unknown whether the veteran tight end will retire, but he likely wouldn't be able to return until mid-way through the 2026 season.

Penix partially tore his ACL, so his was not as severe as Nabers' or Ertz's. Per ESPN, Penix underwent surgery to have his ACL reconstructed in November with a nine-month recovery period expected, with hopes that he's ready for the start of the 2026 season.

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