Both Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons have suffered devastating injuries that could sideline them for several months.
Legendary quarterback Mahomes was forced off during the final moments of the Kansas City Chiefs' 16-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Not only did the loss rule the Chiefs out of post-season contention, it also brought Mahomes' season to an abrupt end.
It has since been confirmed that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
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Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons was forced off during their 34-26 defeat to the Denver Broncos.
He went down with a non-contact knee injury and was helped to the locker room by a trainer.
NFL Network has reported that Parsons is believed to have torn his ACL.
What is an ACL injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).
It is most commonly injured during sports or activities that involve sudden changes in direction or speed.
Although surgery is not essential following an ACL injury, it is the most common treatment for athletes who rely heavily on their knees.
ACL reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with a graft, which is a replacement tendon taken from elsewhere in the knee.
How long does it take for ACL injury to heal?
ACL tears are among the most serious injuries an athlete can suffer and require extensive rehabilitation.
Recovery typically requires individuals to undergo regular physiotherapy and typically takes between six months and a year.
For example, Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings took 445 days to return to competitive football, while Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk missed 10 months.
When could Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons return?
Although recovery typically takes six to nine months, it is often longer for athletes due to the strain they place on their knees.
Next season's NFL is scheduled to begin on September 10, which would give both Mahomes and Parsons nine months to recover.
Even if they are not ready for competitive action by then, they will hope to be back in training with their teammates.
Will they come back the same?
A major concern for the Chiefs and Packers is whether they will regain their pre-injury effectiveness
Studies show that around a third of NFL players do not return after an ACL tear.
Those who do often earn less - typically around $2 million less over the four-year period following injury.
Several footballers have made successful returns from ACL injuries, including Alan Shearer and Xavi, but there is no guarantee after such a significant injury.
Topics: NFL, Patrick Mahomes, Injury, Super Bowl
James Taylor