Patrick Mahomes vs Micah Parsons – why ACL recovery timelines differ (Image via Getty: Micah Parsons and Patrick Mahomes)
Micah Parsons was initially expected to return by Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. However, he missed that game and Week 7 and is now set to miss Week 8 vs. “It was the only thing that made sense knowing he wanted to be 100%.
A November return was always the most likely scenario, according to an ESPN source familiar with Parsons’ recovery. Carolina Panthers as well. Micah has to play a different game than most guys and relies on his speed and athleticism – on top of the fact that he had the meniscus tear, which made it a longer recovery period. Dr. Sharif Tabbah, who has worked with several NFL players recovering from ACL injuries, explained how a full meniscus repair can complicate rehabilitation.
On December 14, 2025, Micah Parsons and Patrick Mahomes both suffered ACL injuries just hours apart. Tucker Kraft returned to practice 8 and a half months after his surgery. He was cleared for full team drills 2 and a half weeks later. He made his season debut in Week 1. He did take a hit to his leg in Week 6 and was checked in the medical tent but he quickly returned to the game.
Patrick is back on the gridiron, leading his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, to six wins and one loss, while Micah still remains on the PUP [Physically Unable to Perform] list. Sports orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael J. Alaia explains why the two NFL players have experienced different recovery timelines. “The fans always want to know, ‘Why is it taking so long? When you do enough ACLs, you just know the variability of the recovery can be so vast.