Since he became the signal caller for the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has reshaped expectations in the franchise. Now, as he struggles through an ACL and an LCL tear, he is clearly rejecting setbacks from defining him, as was visible in his trainer Bobby Stroupe’s latest recovery update.

“Remember the last time they said he would never be the same,” Stroupe tweeted on his account with progression emojis.

While the shoutout at the doubters who think that the KC’s dynasty is over was loud, the throwback photo attached to the tweet gave a louder hint of how Mahomes is progressing. In it, Stroupe shared his Instagram post from May 2021 when Mahomes’ toe injury from the 2020 playoff season required surgery after the season ended.

Since then, Mahomes has won three Super Bowls for the KC banner along with multiple MVP, Pro Bowl, and Offensive Player of the Year nods. With that tweet, Stroupe was just reminding the NFL world that Mahomes has overcome a serious injury before and will do so again.

For now, Mahomes is staying in Missouri to rehab with the team’s assistant athletic trainer Julie Frymyer.

Currently, Mahomes is rehabbing his two torn ligaments in his left knee, the best he can, after undergoing surgery just days after sustaining the injury in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The recovery timeline for such damage typically runs around nine months, meaning that he might miss the 2026 regular-season opener. However, the medical staff has suggested Mahomes is progressing faster than expected. Kansas City Chiefs’ HC, Andy Reid, also confirmed the same.

“First of all, he’s doing great for just being three weeks out or so. He’s been just in there grinding,” the HC told Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. “I think they’ll just continue ’til we get started again. Not that he won’t take a break here or there, but right now, he’s in that early process where you’ve got to really hit it hard. He’s been doing that.”

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After Mahomes’ MRI revealed the ACL tear, the team did not waste any time getting a second consultation from Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas. Following Monday, the QB was already done with the surgery. The quick surgery was crucial for the team as they vie for the 2026 season, where they would want Mahomes to be fully recovered from the get-go.

Already, tight end

Travis Kelce is deliberating his retirement, and Reid’s coaching staff is undergoing changes. In such a situation, they would want their franchise cornerstone to stay with them if they truly want a rebounding season. Already, the Chiefs’ front office sent a different but equally urgent message through their recent decisions.

Kansas City introduces major changes ahead of the 2026 season

On January 7, 2026, the Chiefs officially parted ways with wide receiver coach Connor Embree after seven years of service, making him one of the first casualties of Reid’s offseason overhaul. Embree had spent the last three seasons specifically coaching the team’s receivers, following two years as an offensive quality control coach and two years as a defensive assistant when he first joined the organization in 2019.

His firing arrives after a season where the Chiefs’ receiving corps failed to deliver, with Hollywood Brown recording just 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns, despite being the team’s top receiving option. Travis Kelce, the veteran tight end, led the team overall with 76 catches for 851 yards and five scores, but the system around him seemed fundamentally broken. However, the biggest issues with Embree’s squad would be them dropping the ball, causing interceptions, or KC to miss crucial fourth downs.

Some other changes have happened as well. Longtime assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham has left. Defensive coach Louie Addazio also departed for a college football position. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy’s contract has expired, and he is set to interview for head coaching jobs, potentially leaving the role open.

All these staff changes, and Mahomes’ signal on recovery clearly show that the Kansas City Chiefs franchise takes its future seriously. For now, all Mahomes and Co. can do is wait out the offseason and see where they finally land.