KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee on Dec. 14. The injury required immediate attention. Mahomes flew to Dallas the next morning for surgery performed by Dr. Dan Cooper. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes," Mahomes said.

His rehab was exhaustive. "He gave up an entire summer," said GM Brett Veach. "The level of sacrifice is an example throughout the organization." Mahomes' injury ended Kansas City's 2025 season. The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

"I wasn't playing my best at the end of last year before I got hurt," Mahomes said. He had rushed for a career-high 422 yards and five touchdowns.

Mahomes' expedited surgery avoided the typical wait due to swelling. He had no artery, nerve, joint surface or meniscal damage, according to trainer Rick Burkholder. "NFL players of today have the best medical care in the world," said Aaron Borgmann, founder of Borgmann Rehab Solutions.

When the Chiefs open Monday against the Denver Broncos, Mahomes, 30, is expected to start.