“I will rise again.”
That was Micah Parsons, concluding his social media post yesterday afternoon, hours after it was confirmed that a torn ACL ended his season. Patrick Mahomes beat him to it, having already promised to return “stronger than ever” from his torn ACL on Sunday night.
Inside: What’s next for two injured superstars, an updated playoff picture and Jake Ciely’s fantasy prep.
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Expect strong Mahomes and Parsons returns
Yesterday, Parsons shared that he’s targeting a September 2026 return, while Andy Reid said he expects Mahomes to rehab faster than most.
“As long as the surgery goes well and as expected, then I would expect a fairly quick recovery for him,” said Reid. “There have been pretty good quarterbacks that have had this same injury, and they’ve done pretty well after they came back.”
Better than pretty well, in fact, at both of these positions. Tom Brady had a similar injury in 2008, as did Broncos edge rusher Von Miller in 2013. Both had historically great careers afterward, and their returns now offer insight into potential timelines (typical recoveries range from nine to 12 months):
Brady, 2008 ACL tear. A 31-year-old Brady, one year older than 2025 Mahomes, tore his ACL in Week 1, then developed an infection after his knee operation, necessitating a second procedure. He still returned to practice eight months later, wearing a brace. At the 12-month mark, he was starting in Week 1. He then won Comeback Player of the Year and made the Pro Bowl.
Miller, 2013 ACL tear. Like Parsons, the speedy Miller tore his ACL in a December game. While Miller was 24, two years younger than Parsons is, it still limited him for most of the offseason. But he returned before Week 1, making the 2014 Pro Bowl with 14 sacks.
That history, plus medical advancements (there must be some, right?), should provide optimism for fans in Kansas City and Green Bay. For more, former NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer offers an insightful explainer on what it’s like to recover from an ACL tear.
What’s next for the Packers
As for this season, the Chiefs are out of the playoffs, but can the Packers manage without Parsons? Entering Week 15, their $47 million edge rusher ranked third in the NFL in sacks, third in pressures and second in pressure percentage.
Green Bay could finish 0-3 and still have a 40 percent shot at the postseason, but sights are set higher for a team that traded two first-round picks this offseason. Packers beat reporter Matt Schneidman explains why it will take a Herculean effort to get to a Super Bowl now, starting with the team’s No. 2 edge, Rashan Gary. Speaking of playoffs …
Dolphins folding, Steelers lurking
Troy Aikman doesn’t appreciate it when a team gives up. On last night’s broadcast, he relentlessly questioned the Dolphins’ lack of urgency in the fourth quarter, a period in which they trailed 28-3.
It definitely looked like Miami had no idea it was the second half. Or didn’t care. In no rush to break the huddle, the Dolphins methodically moved down the field, often snapping with the play clock near zero. Meanwhile, time ticked away from their comeback attempt and season alike (the loss eliminated Miami, now 6-8, from playoff contention).
The Dolphins were so slow that they had a delay of game with 42 seconds remaining. What? Don’t you guys care?! It seemed especially frustrating because the team was otherwise giving itself a chance. Before time expired, Miami achieved consecutive touchdown drives and defensive three-and-outs.
Meanwhile, the Steelers (8-6) are one win (over the Ravens) away from clinching the AFC North. There’s promise on that front too, as Pittsburgh’s run defense looked much improved last night.
Missing two of the league’s better run defenders, edge rusher T.J. Watt and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (unofficial team MVP), the Steelers looked likely to struggle against a De’Von Achane-led rushing attack that entered with 192 rush yards per game since Week 10.
But after allowing just 63 last night, Pittsburgh’s defensive turnaround might have arrived. Perfect timing, since they’ll need a repeat performance against Jahmyr Gibbs and the Lions (8-6) on Sunday.
Still, while this defense seems improved, it’s folded in each of Mike Tomlin’s five playoff losses since 2016, allowing a league-worst 38.8 points per playoff game (!!) among the 31 franchises that have reached the postseason in that time. (Since 2010, the Jets have allowed 0 playoff points. 💪)
Could Pittsburgh’s offense make up for any relapses? Aaron Rodgers might have unlocked his deep ball, going an efficient 23-of-27 for 224 yards and two touchdowns last night while running back Kenneth Gainwell continues to contribute (126 yards from scrimmage). Overall in Pittsburgh, both sides of the ball might be trending upward in a wide-open AFC. (Now to do it again, vs. someone besides the cold-weather Dolphins.)
As it stands, the Steelers are scheduled to host the Chargers in the AFC’s wild-card round. Over to Jake Ciely for some fantasy notes.
All In with Jake Ciely: Week 16 prep
It’s rare to find someone this late who can start in your fantasy lineup, but there might be a few options. From quarterbacks you can sub in for Mahomes to new starting running backs, my Week 16 Waiver Wire column has all the names you need to continue your playoff run. Let’s spotlight the tops at each position:
Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett, ARI vs. ATL.
Running back: Michael Carter and Emari Demercado, ARI. Assuming Bam Knight is out, Carter steps up to lead the backfield. Given the matchup — Falcons at home — he can enter your RB3 conversation. If the Cardinals were trailing and pass-happy, we would expect more of a 50/50 split with Demercado, who would absorb the lead in passing-down opportunities.
Wide receiver: Luther Burden and Olamide Zaccheaus, CHI. If Rome Odunze is out again (yes, I’m as mad as you are about Sunday’s 12:56 p.m. ET news), Burden would be solidly inside the WR3 convo (and DJ Moore would nearly be a must-start, even against the Packers). If there’s no Odunze or Burden, Zaccheaus would become a WR4/5 lottery ticket. (Also boost TE Colston Loveland.)
Tight end: Colby Parkinson, LAR. I had him as a TE1 in my rankings last week, and he’ll be even higher with Davante Adams likely to miss the Rams’ Thursday game. Act quickly, as I think Parkinson will surpass 10 percent ownership across leagues.
Got a fantasy question? Join The Athletic fantasy football Discord server.
Extra Points
❓Seattle’s answer? In Jeff Howe’s Week 16 QB Report, he explores whether Sam Darnold — No. 5 in his rankings — can deliver in the biggest game of the Seahawks’ (11-3) season, Thursday against the Rams (11-3).
🔦 Bright futures. Which eliminated team has the best draft outlook? Probably the Jets (3-11), holders of four picks in the first two rounds. Nick Baumgardner ranks those 13 teams.
👋 See you next year. Injured Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will be shut down for the remainder of the season, as Washington will start Marcus Mariota for the final three games. More details here.
🛑 More games? After two more superstars tore their ACLs, Mike Jones suggests the NFL end any talk of an 18-game season. “Opting for quality over quantity would best serve everyone.”
▶️ Yesterday’s most-clicked: Mike Sando’s Pick Six column, which explains why special-teams success puts the 49ers (10-4) in historic company.
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