Kansas City Chiefs quarterback consulted with other players during rehab process
Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has completed a recovery from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. The injury occurred during a game on December 14, followed by surgery the next day. Approximately seven months later, Mahomes has been cleared to participate in training camp.
During his rehabilitation, Mahomes sought advice from several players who had experienced similar injuries and recovery processes. He specifically mentioned consulting with Tom Brady early in his rehabilitation, noting that Brady had sustained a very similar injury. Brady’s injury involved a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee during a season opener in 2008, after which he earned the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2009.
Mahomes emphasized the importance of staying diligent throughout the recovery. He described the process as lengthy and recalled the frustration of watching his team play while he was sidelined. He maintained focus on his work to reach the point of being cleared for practice, with his current goal being clearance to play in the first week of the regular season.
Rehab and competition
In addition to Brady, Mahomes also spoke with former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu and veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Mathieu had torn the ACL and LCL in his left knee in 2013 and experienced another ACL tear in 2015. Ertz sustained an ACL tear a week before Mahomes’ injury, leading to a unique rehabilitation competition between the two players.
Mahomes detailed how these conversations with Ertz evolved into a competitive dynamic. They would challenge each other on their progress, initially comparing deadlift weights. This progressed to sending videos of themselves performing various exercises, such as jumping and acceleration drills, and later, cutting movements. This competitive aspect helped Mahomes stay motivated during what can be a solitary and challenging recovery period.
The rehabilitation process for Mahomes has led to discussions regarding the Chiefs‘ prospects for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. On a recent broadcast, the question was raised about the team’s potential performance if Mahomes is not at 100% health. Former NFL wide receiver Andrew Hawkins expressed doubts about the team’s external support to maintain their previous success without a fully healthy Mahomes, suggesting the quarterback might need to adapt his playing style due to his age and recent injury.
Hawkins concluded that the Chiefs might not be able to afford a “diet version” of Mahomes and still expect to perform at the level they have in previous years of his career. NFL insider Adam Schefter provided context by highlighting the team’s offseason moves aimed at strengthening the roster around Mahomes as he recovers. Schefter pointed to the signing of Kenneth Walker III and the return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, indicating a strategy to emphasize the ground game more than in recent seasons.
Offensive strategy discussions
Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum offered a counterpoint to Schefter’s view, stressing the importance of the passing game for an elite run game to be effective. Tannenbaum suggested that without strong receiving options, defenses could focus on stopping the run by loading the box, thereby neutralizing players like Walker. Former NFL offensive lineman Damien Woody concluded the segment by stating his belief that the Chiefs might be forced to adopt a different offensive identity this season due to a potential lack of explosiveness in their passing game.
Woody noted that while Andy Reid‘s teams are not typically known for a “ground and pound” approach, this season could mark a shift. He suggested that the team has often relied on Mahomes to carry the offense in recent years, but this might not be the case moving forward. Considering the changes on the defensive side of the ball as well, Woody views the Kansas City Chiefs as the third-best team in the AFC West for the current season.
Mahomes’ recovery from his knee injury has been a significant focus, with his consultations with other players like Tom Brady, Tyrann Mathieu, and Zach Ertz providing valuable insights into the rehabilitation process.
Source: nbcsports.com
