Athletes are typically able to return from ACL tears within 6-12 months. Tom Brady's recovery from an ACL tear offers the most optimistic outlook for what Mahomes could expect.

Patrick Mahomes’s 2025 campaign came to a devastating end on Sunday, as the Chiefs quarterback tore his ACL near the end of their loss to the Chargers. Mahomes was trying to lead the Chiefs to a comeback win and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but instead saw both his and the Chiefs’ season playing meaningful football come to an end.