There was an important Patrick Mahomes injury update on March 25, as the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback posted a video of himself simulating a QB dropback and passing attempt from a nonexistent pocket. This clip made fans hopeful that Mahomes would return well before Week 1. However, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport downplayed the significance of the Chiefs superstar’s recovery news later that evening on March 25.
Although Rapoport did begin by noting that this is an “excellent sign” for the Chiefs and Mahomes, he continued with a more cautionary message.
“That said, there is still some uncertainty,” the insider told viewers. “There’s a lot of uncertainty because he is just three months out from a nine-to-twelve-month recovery.”
“It is not just an ACL tear. It is also an LCL tear,” Rapoport explained. “[Mahomes underwent] surgery right away just to accelerate the rehab. It [is] also the kind of thing that can take a little bit longer. The knee can be a little stiff.”
Finally, Rapoport finished his injury update by stating very clearly that Mahomes is still no guarantee to start Week 1.
“If Patrick Mahomes is not ready in September, he is just not going to be on the field,” Rapoport relayed. “This is a conservative and very good medical staff. That is why they traded for Justin Fields — who has plenty of starter experience — even if it’s just for the first couple of games of the season.”
Translation: Mahomes is making quick progress, but his knee injury is a complicated one. There are still several variables that could delay his return, and at this time, it’s still too early to say how long his recovery will take.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Has Been Rehabbing 7 Hours a Day, According to Latest Injury Update
GettyKansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes still has to regain mobility in his knee after surgery.
There was another tidbit in Rapoport’s injury update that should come as no surprise to Chiefs fans. The NFL insider reported — straight from the KC organization — that Mahomes has spent seven hours a day, every day, at team facilities rehabbing his knee.
That’s really what separates Mahomes from most NFL athletes. Few match his work ethic, and those who have that trait generally rise to the top of the league.
That’s also why it’s a decent bet to be optimistic about Mahomes’ Week 1 status.
Rapoport may not feel comfortable guaranteeing his return. The Chiefs may not feel comfortable guaranteeing his return. Even Mahomes may not tempt fate in that regard.
But the fact remains, Mahomes is different. He’s overcome odds all throughout his career, and it’s well-documented that few train as hard as he does.
That’s led to a mostly healthy NFL tenure. And while the three-time Super Bowl champion has hit a snag in that iron man streak, it’d be foolish to doubt him in overcoming it.
Mobility & Contact Will Be the Key for Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs Amid Video News
While the video update was great to see, Rapoport unfortunately has a point. Mobility and contact are the two greatest concerns for Mahomes when he eventually retakes the field.
After all, any sort of reinjury would certainly sideline him indefinitely, so the Chiefs must take great care in making sure that doesn’t happen.
The casual dropback in the pocket does not prove NFL-ready mobility. Nor would it prove Mahomes is ready if he participates in non-contact OTAs in some capacity this spring.
The real test will be full pads, with pass rushers coming at Mahomes going 100 miles per hour (figuratively speaking) as the pocket breaks down around him. The real test will be taking a hit to the knee and popping back up.
That sort of healing takes time, and all the work ethic in the world still takes a backseat to time more often than not.
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