The elimination is the first of Mahomes\u2019 career. The Chiefs have been involved in the postseason every year since he was drafted. The last time they missed out was in 2014.<\/p>\n
Mahomes\u2019 knee buckled under him<\/a>\u00a0as the game neared the end of the fourth quarter, appearing to hyperextend while he attempted a scramble.<\/p>\n He needed help getting into the locker room, and it was later announced that his season was over.<\/p>\n Why?\u00a0A torn ACL.<\/p>\n While such an injury could be a turning point in one\u2019s career, i.e., for the worse, Mahomes already has eyes set on a return date. At least that\u2019s how\u00a0Adam Schefter<\/a>\u00a0sees it.<\/p>\n The ESPN insider discussed the injury on his \u2018The Adam Schefter Podcast<\/a>\u2019, outlining the player\u2019s rehab approach.<\/p>\n Mahomes has already undergone surgery, which is not typical for an injury of this nature. It\u2019s\u00a0considered to be a massive risk<\/a>, but Schefter believes it\u2019s because the QB intends to play in Week 1 next season.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t remember the last time that I remember hearing about a player tearing his ACL on Sunday and having surgery on Monday,\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was extreme, that was immediate, and that sent a message to me that Patrick Mahomes already is locked in on getting back for Opening Day 2026,\u201d Shefter added.<\/p>\n \u201cThe typical timeline for an injury like this is nine months to recover from,\u201d Schefter continued. \u201cNine months from December 15th is September 15th \u2014 the season starts about a week before. Patrick\u00a0<\/strong>Mahomes is different\u2026 I think it\u2019ll be a surprise if he\u2019s not ready for Opening Day.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\nAdam Schefter Thinks Patrick Mahomes Wants To Play At The Start Of Next Season<\/h2>\n
![\"Patrick](\"https:\/\/www.totalprosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27690313-enh-1024x563.jpg\")