Patrick Mahomes Injury History and Key Dates
Patrick Mahomes has experienced several notable injuries during his NFL career, with the most significant occurring in the 2022 season. He suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee during the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 29, 2023, requiring surgery and ending his season confirmed by ESPN. Prior to this major injury, Mahomes also dealt with a foot injury during the 2021 season that caused him to miss practice time, though he played through it reported by NFL.com.
The 2022 ACL/MCL tear represented the first major knee injury of Mahomes' career and required extensive rehabilitation. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship when he was tackled by Bengals safety Vonn Bell. The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, a facility known for treating elite athletes Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Recovery timelines for this type of injury typically range from 9 to 12 months for NFL quarterbacks.
Recovery Timeline and Return to Play
Mahomes returned to full practice in July 2023 after a recovery period of approximately six months following the January 2023 surgery. He was cleared by team medical staff and participated in the Chiefs' training camp without restrictions official Kansas City Chiefs updates. The NFL Players Association and independent medical experts monitored his progress throughout the rehabilitation process to ensure complete healing of both the ACL and MCL ligaments.
His return to game action occurred in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season against the Detroit Lions on September 7, 2023, marking his first game since the injury. Mahomes completed 21 of 28 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns in his return, demonstrating full functionality of the repaired knee Sports Reference NFL data. The Chiefs medical team reported no complications or setbacks during the recovery period, which was considered successful by orthopedic standards.
Impact on Career Statistics and Contract Status
Despite missing the final two games of the 2022 regular season and the AFC Championship, Mahomes finished that season with 4,673 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, ranking among the top quarterbacks in the league Pro Football Reference statistics. His contract extension with the Chiefs, signed in 2020, includes $141.3 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL regardless of injury history.
The injury did not affect Mahomes' long-term contract status, as the Chiefs extended his deal through the 2031 season with a $30.8 million signing bonus. His performance metrics post-recovery remain elite, with a career passer rating of 103.1 entering the 2024 season NFL official player page