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The reality surrounding the number of ACL injuries in the NFL has been highlighted after Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes underwent knee surgery.
Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
It was a difficult night for the Chiefs, who now stand no chance of making the post-season with three games left to play, and also lost their star quarterback.
On Monday night, the team confirmed that Mahomes had undergone surgery to repair the torn ligament.
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In a statement, the Chiefs wrote: "Patrick Mahomes successfully underwent surgery in Dallas this evening with Dr. Dan Cooper to repair the tear in his left ACL.
"Mahomes will begin his rehab process immediately."
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons also suffered a season-ending ACL tear during Sunday's NFL action, according to ESPN.
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Parsons sustained the injury when his knee buckled without contact in the third quarter of their defeat to the Denver Broncos.
After a weekend in which two of the NFL's biggest stars suffered devastating injuries, attention has turned to whether the league has an issue with ACL tears.
However, the overall number has actually been declining in recent years.
The season with the highest number of torn ACLs in the last 12 years came in 2013, when 63 players suffered the injury.
Since the pandemic, the number has declined year on year.
In 2021, there were 57 ACL tears, dropping to 51 the following year and 43 in 2023.
The number fell again to 38 in 2024 and so far this season, there have been 30 torn ACLs.
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There are still three regular-season games left to play before the playoffs begin, meaning that figure is likely to rise before the Super Bowl in February.
Mahomes and Parsons join a list of players sidelined with ACL injuries that includes Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz, Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers.
Recovery from a torn ACL typically takes between six months and a year, although teams often take a more cautious approach given the seriousness of the injury.
For Mahomes, who also suffered a tear to his lateral collateral ligament, the Chiefs are likely to be even more wary of potential setbacks.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport wrote on X: "More context: Patrick Mahomes also tore his LCL, along with his ACL, sources say.
"While that can complicate recovery, it doesn’t necessarily extend his rehab longer than nine months or so."
With the 2026 NFL season set to begin on September 10, 2026, Mahomes has a clear target date to return to action.
Topics: NFL, Patrick Mahomes, American Football
James Taylor