Why Micah Parsons’ Comments Made Chiefs Wince Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two hours after Patrick Mahomes hobbled off the Arrowhead Stadium sideline on Dec. 14, Micah Parsons went down on the grass in Denver.

Both superstars sustained ACL injuries, and both underwent season-ending surgery in the subsequent days. Mahomes had surgery 24 hours later while Parsons waited until Dec. 29.

Realistically, Parsons will return in Week 3 or 4

Speaking for the first time since his surgery, Parsons on Monday said he’s shooting for a Week 1 return but – Chiefs fans, look away – more realistically, he’s shooting for Week 3 or Week 4.

The All-Pro edge rusher, acquired Aug. 28 from Dallas in a trade that included defensive Tackle Kenny Clark and each of Green Bay’s first-round selections in the next two drafts, Parsons said he doesn’t expect to begin the year on a reserve list, injured reserve or PUP.

“It’s going to be crazy,” Parsons told reporters, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “I just look forward to putting on a show. There’s a lot of aggression that’s built up right now, and there’s a lot of pain that I feel like I’m suffering that other people need to feel too. Everything is leading up to that return date and getting back on the field. It’s going to be all year.

“When the game gets taken away from you, it’s a different level of mindset people come back with. I’m ready to see that person, and that play.”

mahomes, parson — Nov 21, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) fumbles as ht is tackled by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Packers, Chiefs went combined 0-8 after injuries

One of those people is obviously Mahomes, and the timeline Parsons laid out isn’t an encouraging comparison. Including that Week 15 Denver game and their wild-card loss Saturday night in Chicago, the Packers lost five straight without Parsons.

After losing Mahomes, the Chiefs dropped their final three games – scoring just one total touchdown during the span and failing to reach 170 net yards of offense in any of those contests. Since Mahomes became their starter in 2018, the Chiefs are just 2-8 without him.

jordyn brook — Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) tackles Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (30) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images | Rich Storry-Imagn Images

ACL recoveries are different with every player, but if the Chiefs have to play up to three games without Mahomes, their playoff prospects should be significantly affected considering they’ve won only 20 percent of games so far without their franchise quarterback.

“First of all,” Andy Reid said Jan. 5, “he's doing great for just being three weeks out or so, and he'll go ahead and most likely stay up here for the majority of the time in rehab. … And he's been just in there grinding. I mean, that's what I can tell you, and I think that'll just continue until we get started again.

“Not that he won't take a break here or there, but right now, he's in that early process where you got to really hit it hard. And, it's not necessarily a fun thing to do every day, but the important thing is that you show up; you keep coming, coming back for more. And he's been doing that.”

Chiefs Kingdom, touchdowns are more valuable in goal-to-go situations than field goals. So, punch it in by getting a FREE newsletter -- an email with all the latest analysis each day … SIGN UP HERE NOW.