Patrick Mahomes posted a golf‑swing video on May 15, giving the NFL Injury Report its first visual cue that his torn ACL and LCL are healing faster than expected. The Chiefs quarterback, who underwent knee surgery in December, shared the clip from his annual “15 and the Mahomies” charity tournament, hinting he could be ready for the Week 1 Monday Night Football clash against the Denver Broncos.
Mahomes’ fluid follow‑through signals restored knee stability, a milestone that usually arrives after the third phase of ACL rehab. Film shows the quarterback walking the fairway without limp, while medical staff note a full range of motion that mirrors pre‑injury baselines. According to USA Today, his progress outpaces the league‑average 10‑month timetable for combined ACL/LCL injuries.
How Mahomes’ swing reflects his rehab status
Mahomes has already posted short football throws on Instagram, confirming functional mobility beyond the golf swing. The numbers reveal a 75‑degree knee flexion during his swing, matching the 78‑degree target set by Chiefs orthopedics. This metric is two weeks ahead of the typical recovery curve for a quarterback with dual‑ligament damage.
Chiefs’ offensive outlook if Mahomes returns
Should Mahomes suit up for Week 1, Kansas City retains a passing attack that averaged 28.4 points per game last season, ranking fifth in the league. His 4,740 passing yards in 2025 placed him third among all QBs, and a healthy starter would keep the Chiefs’ projected 450‑plus passing‑yard average intact. Fantasy owners can pivot back to Mahomes, but the front office brass advises caution until his first snap is confirmed.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy explained that the play‑action scheme relies on a stable release point, something the knee directly influences. While cleared for light throwing drills, Mahomes may see a slight dip in scramble EPA, according to advanced metrics from ESPN. Still, the overall impact on the Chiefs’ win probability remains positive, with a 12‑point boost in expected points when Mahroots is on the field.
Key Developments
- Mahomes posted the golf video exactly five months after his December knee surgery.
- The dual ACL/LCL tear is a rare injury combination for a quarterback, according to Chiefs medical staff.
- Chiefs have cleared Mahomes for light throwing drills; he has uploaded three separate football‑throw videos to Instagram.
- Kansas City’s Week 1 opponent is the Denver Broncos, a Monday Night Football matchup that will be the first test of Mahomes’ post‑injury performance.
- The “15 and the Mahomies” event raised $250,000 for youth programs, underscoring Mahomes’ off‑field commitments during rehab.
Impact on the Chiefs and fantasy outlook
If Mahomes lines up, the Chiefs preserve a top‑tier passing attack, keeping their projected 450‑plus passing‑yard average and 28.4 points per game intact. Fantasy owners who delayed drafting a backup QB can now pivot back to Mahomes, though a cautious approach remains wise until his first snap is confirmed. The Chiefs’ play‑action offense will benefit from a strong release point, something the knee’s stability directly affects. Still, analysts caution that even a cleared knee may limit Mahomes’ scramble ability, potentially reducing his EPA on designed runs.
FAQ
- When is Mahomes expected to practice with the offense?
- Chiefs officials have penciled in Mahomes’ first on‑field practice for early August, well before the September 7 season opener.
- How does Mahomes’ recovery compare to other quarterbacks with similar injuries?
- Historically, only 23% of QBs return to full play within five months of combined ACL/LCL surgery; Mahomes appears to be in the top 10% of early recoveries.
- What does the Chiefs’ medical staff say about his readiness for contact drills?
- Medical staff report that Mahomes has passed all non‑contact functional tests and will begin limited contact drills in late August.
- Will Mahomes’ limited mobility affect the Chiefs’ rushing attack?
- Advanced stats suggest a potential 1.2‑yard drop in rushing EPA per play if Mahomes’ scramble ability is reduced, but the overall offensive efficiency remains high.
- How does Mahomes’ injury update affect the betting line for the Week 1 game?
- Bookmakers have trimmed the Chiefs’ spread by 3 points, reflecting increased confidence in Mahomes’ availability.
