Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is heading to Dallas for a second opinion on his left knee injury after initial testing revealed a torn ACL.
Head coach Andy Reid said Mahomes would visit Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas and then attack his plan for surgery and recovery.
In general, players who suffer major injuries that require surgery seek a second opinion. Reid said the additional medical input is not a sign the Chiefs fear additional ligament damage.
“Most guys get a second opinion. That’s just part of it,” Reid said.
Mahomes was injured running away from pressure Sunday when he was hit on his left leg from behind by pursuing Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand.
“I’ve had a good visit with him a couple of different times. He’s in a good place,” Reid said Monday of Mahomes. “He feels like he let people down, but he’s ready for the challenge ahead, which is what’s real right now. He’s just got to get through surgery, wherever it might be, and move on from there.”
Typical recovery from ACL reconstruction would likely put the Chiefs in position to need another quarterback next year, at the very least as insurance Mahomes will not be available for the start of the regular season.
Gardner Minshew entered Sunday’s game when Mahomes was injured and was driving the Chiefs for a potential game-tying field goal when his pass intended for tight end Travis Kelce was intercepted.
Reid said Monday he has a “ton of confidence” Minshew can do the job. Backup Chris Oladokun, 28, has been on the practice squad since 2022.
