Patrick Mahomes will get a second opinion on a torn left ACL before surgery, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday, and it remains unclear whether the two-time MVP quarterback will be available for the start of next season.
Mahomes tore a knee ligament when he was thrown to the ground as he tried to keep Kansas City's postseason hopes alive in a 16-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday. The team confirmed his torn ACL hours after the game.
Another league star, Green Bay pass rusher Micah Parsons, also tore his ACL on Sunday during his team's loss to the Broncos, a source told The Associated Press on Monday.
“I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated,” Parsons said Monday in a social media post. “This injury is my greatest test – a moment that God has allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe HE walked through this storm with me and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart would endure it. I am deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love and faith in me this season. I trust His timing, His plan and His purpose. I will rise again. I love you all!”
The loss to the Chargers means the Chiefs will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Before the ligament repair procedure, Mahomes must visit Dr. Dan Cooper, a respected orthopedist and team physician for the Dallas Cowboys. The decision to seek a second opinion is intended only to confirm the next steps in the defense attorney's recovery process.
“I've had a good visit with him, a couple of times. He's in a good place,” Reed said during a Zoom call Monday. “You know, he always feels like he's let people down, but he comes back and is ready for the challenges ahead, and that's what's real now. He just needs to get through the surgery, whenever that is, and then move on.”
A number of factors influence the length of the recovery period, including the severity of the ACL tear and whether there is any other damage to the knee. Most players can return to the field within six to 12 months.
“I think he'll attack it like he attacks everything else,” Reed said. “There have been some very good quarterbacks who have been hurt like this and done well when they came back. He'll get through it and he's got good people here to rehabilitate him.”
Bengals cornerback Joe Burrow suffered a left knee injury to the ACL and MCL in November 2020, but returned to play the following season and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Colts cornerback Daniel Jones tore his right ACL in November 2023 while he was with the Giants and returned to start Week 1 of the following season.
The Chiefs have no quarterback other than Mahomes signed for next season, so the final three weeks of this season could be an audition for veteran backup Gardner Minshew, who played in Sunday's loss to the Chargers.
He completed three consecutive passes before intercepting a throw intended for Travis Kelce to effectively end the game.
“I have a lot of confidence in Gardner,” Reed said. “I've seen him play with other teams. He's started in the league. Our guys have confidence in him and Chris Oladokun behind him will work and he's been with us for a while. Those are two guys we trust.”
