Patrick Mahomes’ future with the NFL has looked grim since his shocking ACL and LCL injury during the December 14th game against the Los Angeles Chargers. But in a recent update, the quarterback shared that he could be back on the field by week one of the 2026 season. On January 15, Patrick gave a video conference and shared that “rehab is going great,” and he’s “hitting all the checkpoints that the doctor wants” since undergoing surgery on December 15. “Getting the strength and range of mobility back,” he added. “So that’s been going great. Been doing all of it here in Kansas City so far, and [Chiefs athletic trainer] Julie [Frymyer]’s been crushing it, pushing me. The doctor kind of gives you goals to get to, and I try to maximize those, and they hold me back because I always want to go a little bit further.” Patrick Mahomes suffered his injury during the final two minutes of the game, and he initially asked the medical staff if he could wear a brace and finish the game. They denied the request, which ultimately led to a loss that kicked the Chiefs out of playoff contention. This year was the first time in a decade that the team missed the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes Thanks His Family For Helping Him Through His Recovery “Obviously, I think the long term, I want to be ready for Week 1. Doctor said I could be, but can’t predict what’s going to happen throughout the process,” he noted. “But that’s my goal, and so I’ll try to prepare myself to be ready to play in that Week 1 and have no restrictions.” The three-time Super Bowl champ admitted that he has to take it slow while also pushing as much as he can. But he and his team have a “great plan” to get him back on the field. “We have to let it all play out and take it a day at a time,” he said, “which has been hard for me.” Patrick Mahomes admitted that the whole process has been hard on him, but having a goal and his family have helped him stay focused. “That, as well as having a great wife that’s able to keep me involved with the kids,” he shared. “And the kids understanding that dad can’t necessarily be the dad that I usually am throwing them around the couches and stuff like that.” This story’s featured image is by Jamie Squire/Getty Images.