ProFootballDoc: Chiefs GM (Overly?) Optimistic on 3 Key Injuries

There is nothing wrong with optimism, and in the offseason, positive spin often abounds for most teams. Why shouldn't it?

Chiefs GM Brett Veach, who is usually cheerful with his updates, provided some particularly sunny outlooks for three key injuries on the team. Patrick Mahomes had turf toe surgery, left tackle Eric Fisher had Achilles tear surgery, and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz just had back surgery after missing most of the season.

Turf toe surgery typically carries a six-month timeline for recovery, which would put a tight timeline on a training camp return for Mahomes. However, Veach provided a much more favorable outlook by halving that timetable. Perhaps it is possible for Mahomes to do something at three months, but it doesn't seem feasible that he could be anywhere near 100%. I do expect Mahomes to be ready for Week 1, even if he has some lingering stiffness or soreness.

The KC GM also had positive news for the bookend starting tackles. It would be a quick return for Fisher to be ready for training camp, and it is medically impossible for him to be anywhere near 100%. One can have a great surgeon and work hard in rehab, but it is impossible to speed up biology.

Schwartz' back procedure is unknown. The most likely possibility is that he had a herniated disc removed, which carries a three-month recovery for basic athletic activity and closer to six months to regain all core strength. Thus, he indeed has a reasonable chance to be ready.

The offensive line was the key deficiency versus Tampa, and having both tackles back will be key for the 2021 season.

There is nothing wrong with optimism, and when things have been mostly going your way, it is easy to keep that positive feeling going. For all offseason details on injury news, go to www.profootballdoc.com .