The 2025 season was one Chiefs fans won’t soon forget—and not for the right reasons. After a stunning 6-11 collapse that ended a 10-year playoff streak and missed the AFC West crown for the first time since 2014, Kansas City Kingdom is facing a turning point. But there’s reason for optimism as Patrick Mahomes shares a positive update on his rehabilitation and the organization begins its offseason reset.
Mahomes’ Recovery: On Track for Week 1
The injury that defined the season came in Week 15 against the Chargers when Mahomes tore both his ACL and LCL in the waning moments of a loss that officially eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention. It was a brutal ending to an already disappointing campaign, but Mahomes’ latest update should give Chiefs Kingdom some hope heading into the summer.
During his first press conference since undergoing surgery in mid-December, Mahomes revealed that his rehabilitation is “hitting all the checkpoints” set by his medical team. Working with Chiefs physical therapist Julie Frymyer in Kansas City and checking in regularly with orthopedic specialist Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas, Mahomes is approaching his recovery with the same competitive fire that defines his play on the field.
“Rehab is going great so far,” Mahomes said. “I’ve been hitting all the checkpoints that the doctor wants you to do and getting the strength and range of mobility back.” Most impressively, his medical team has actually had to hold him back from pushing too hard, concerned about potential setbacks. The goal remains clear: be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season without restrictions.
While ACL tears typically require nine months of recovery, Mahomes’ doctors have indicated it’s possible—though not guaranteed—that he could return in time for September. The quarterback is planning to participate in OTAs and training camp to ramp up his activity level as the season approaches.
Xavier Worthy: A Bright Spot on the Horizon
While Mahomes navigated his recovery this week, there was another positive development in Chiefs Kingdom. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy, the team’s promising young talent, posted updates following his own surgery to address a shoulder injury. The message Worthy sent to AFC opponents? The Chiefs’ weapons are coming back ready to work.
Worthy’s emergence last season provided hope that the receiving corps could finally develop into the caliber needed to support Mahomes. With both Mahomes and Worthy on the mend and ready to return, the offensive firepower that fizzled in 2025 could be the foundation for a resurgence.
The Reset Begins
Beyond Mahomes’ recovery, the Chiefs organization is making significant coaching staff changes. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who struggled to design effective plays in 2025, is interviewing for head coaching positions with multiple teams—signaling his likely departure. The running backs coach and wide receivers coach have already been parted ways with the organization.
These moves represent more than accountability—they signal the organization’s commitment to evolving. The 2025 season exposed schematic limitations and personnel mismatches that had been hidden during the dynasty years. Head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach are attacking the problem head-on.
Looking Ahead
Chiefs Kingdom has known unprecedented success over the past six years, but 2025 served as a humbling reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. The good news? Mahomes is determined to get healthy, the offensive weapons are recovering, and the organization is serious about fixing what went wrong.
September can’t come soon enough. If Mahomes returns at full strength and the Chiefs can address their offensive line and receiving depth in free agency and the draft, Kansas City could bounce back just as impressively as they fell.
The dynasty isn’t over. The reset has officially begun.