As if the Kansas City Chiefs‘ 2025-26 season wasn’t already going poorly, Sunday was the final nail in the coffin. In addition to losing to the Los Angeles Chargers, they got eliminated from playoff contention.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also got hurt in the process, sending a shockwave throughout the fanbase. Unfortunately for the two-time NFL MVP, it’s only bad news in the aftermath.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Suffered Torn ACL in Week 15 Loss to Chargers
On Sunday evening, the Chiefs took to their official X account to provide an update on Mahomes. Per the team, the superstar signal-caller has a torn left ACL. His ninth season in the NFL is over.
An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.
“An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game,” the post began. “Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.”
Mahomes got hurt while attempting to lead a late-game comeback. On a first-and-10 play in the fourth quarter, his left leg buckled on him and his knee bent backwards. The 30-year-old field general crumbled to the turf in pain, later being assisted to the sideline and, eventually, the locker room area by team staff.
Head coach Andy Reid didn’t have too many details right after the game. He did confirm an MRI was on the horizon, which has since revealed the sad outcome for Mahomes.
At the time of his injury, Mahomes had went 16-for-28 passing with 189 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. His 2025 campaign ends with a career-worst 62.7% completion rate and just 22 passing touchdowns. His 89.6 passer rating is also his lowest since 2017, when he started just one game as a rookie.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback now faces an uphill battle in rehabbing his knee. ACL tears require multi-month recoveries, which could likely push well into next summer.
Kansas City Teammates React to Mahomes’ Knee Injury
Following the conclusion of Sunday’s outing, center Creed Humphrey and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew briefly spoke about Mahomes’ injury. Humphrey, who’s snapped the ball to Mahomes since 2021, initially held out faith that it wasn’t a worst-case scenario.
“Yeah, it stinks,” Humphrey said. “We don’t know exactly what’s going on yet, so I can’t really say anything. Just hoping he’s OK.”
Minshew admitted it’s unfortunate to see the process and results not align for such a tremendous talent. At the same time, he knows Mahomes will attack injury rehab and get back to full strength.
“It’s very frustrating, man,” Minshew said. “It’s been hard to watch for Pat. That dude puts so much into it. I don’t think I’ve ever respected anybody I’ve played with more. I’ve never seen anybody I play with give so much of themselves to the team. To not get the results is hard, but I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back and be better than ever.”
When asked to expand on his praise of Mahomes, Minshew alluded to consistency in leadership and preparation.
“Dude just shows up every day,” Minshew said. “Every play, every work day, just giving it his best, trying to lead. He’s the best.”
Change could be on the horizon for the Chiefs. Not only was this a challenging season for Mahomes, but it marks the first time since 2014 they won’t make the playoffs. At 6-8 on the year, there isn’t a ton left to fight for other than ranking in the 2026 NFL Draft. After going to five Super Bowls since 2019-20, their dynasty is over, at least temporarily.
How Mahomes bounces back from a brutal injury could determine how quickly Kansas City can ascend back to peak form.
Chiefs Relay Scary Patrick Mahomes Update After QB’s Knee Injury