Andy Reid says Patrick Mahomes will get second opinion on torn ACL from Cowboys doctor as his timeline to return remains unclear

Patrick Mahomes will get a second opinion on the torn ACL that he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Monday.

If all goes well with surgery, Reid is optimistic that Mahomes will experience a "fairly quick recovery."

Reid made his comments in his Monday news conference, a day after the devastating injury to Mahomes that was compounded in Kansas City by the Chiefs being eliminated from the playoff race.

It's unclear precisely when or where Mahomes will undergo surgery. Reid told reporters that Mahomes' second opinion will come first. He'll seek that opinion from Dallas Cowboys team physician Dr. Daniel Cooper.

Why Mahomes is seeking a second opinion

Reid explained that seeking a second opinion is normal operating procedure in these circumstances.

Reid was also asked to clarify if Mahomes sustained damage to his meniscus or anything else in his knee other than his ACL. He pointed to the statement released by the Chiefs on Sunday announcing that Mahomes had torn his ACL.

Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:

An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today's game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.

- Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 15, 2025

"It's just what they put out there," Reid said. "We try not to hide too much from you. That's not our game. I try to keep it right up front with you. That's the information that they have, and they put it out for you."

The Chiefs have three regular-season games left. But with Mahomes injured and the Chiefs out of the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 season, the bigger picture focus has shifted to the future and Mahomes' long-term health.

When will Mahomes be ready to return to fooball?

With a second opinion and surgery still pending, there's no official timeline yet for Mahomes to return. ACL tears generally sideline athletes anywhere from 6-12 months. If all goes well with Mahomes' surgery and no other damage is discovered, Reid is optimistic about Mahomes' chances of returning sooner than later.

"You never know on these rehabs how they go," Reid said. "I just know he's got good people that he'll be working with. I know how aggressive he is on things. As long as the surgery goes well and as expected, I would expect a fairly quick recovery for him just because of those factors."

Tom Brady tore ACL at similar point in his career

The good news for Mahomes is that other elite athletes have suffered ACL tears and recovered to continue to play at a high level. The most apt comparison for Mahomes is Tom Brady, who sustained a torn ACL in his ninth NFL season, just like Mahomes.

Brady tore his ACL in the first game of the 2008 season and returned for the start of the 2009 season. He went on to make 11 Pro Bowls and win two MVPs and four Super Bowls after his torn ACL. Brady's run, obviously, is unprecedented and far from the standard that any athlete should expect. But Mahomes is also exceptional, and there's reasonable hope that he can return to form after his rehab.

Mahomes vowed on social media Sunday to "be back stronger than ever."

Don't know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it's hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back...

- Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025

The immediate question becomes a matter of when Mahomes will be ready to return. The most optimistic typical timeline (six months) would have Mahomes return in mid-June, which would have him ready in time for training camp.

A nine-month timeline would have him back in mid-September. The 2026 season is slated to kick off on Sept. 4. Anything beyond that would eat into a significant portion of the 2026 season.

Again, a timeline for Mahomes is not yet set. More will presumably be known once Mahomes undergoes surgery.