What Chiefs' early prime-time schedule means for Patrick Mahomes' knee recovery timeline

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Week 15 of the 2025-26 NFL season, sidelining him for the remainder of that campaign. With the 2026 NFL schedule now released, analysts and fans are examining the Chiefs' early prime-time game placements as a potential indicator of when the league expects Mahomes to return from his injury. The scheduling choices are being interpreted as a clue about his recovery timeline heading into the 2026 season.