The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season has taken a devastating turn following a severe injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes during their Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. With playoff hopes dwindling, Mahomes was tackled awkwardly late in the fourth quarter, leading to a diagnosis of a torn ACL in his left knee.
The incident occurred as Mahomes was running the ball and was tackled from behind. His left leg became caught in the turf, causing his knee to bend at an unnatural angle. The immediate aftermath saw the quarterback grasping his knee in evident pain, prompting concerns about the severity of the injury.
Following the game, the Chiefs confirmed the ACL tear through an MRI. “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,” the team stated in a release.
The injury will sideline Mahomes for the remainder of the 2025 season, and there are concerns that he may also miss a significant portion of the 2026 season as he begins his recovery. Just a day after the diagnosis, the Chiefs announced that Mahomes had undergone successful surgery in Dallas, led by Dr. Dan Cooper. The team did not provide a specific timeline for his return, but indicated that he would commence rehabilitation immediately.
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed the nature of the injury during a post-game press conference, stating, “It didn’t look good.” The comments reflect the gravity of the situation for both Mahomes and the franchise, which now finds itself eliminated from playoff contention. Gardner Minshew replaced Mahomes in the game, but was unable to secure a victory, throwing a critical interception that led to a loss against the Chargers.
A few hours post-game, Mahomes took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the support he received from fans and teammates. “Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…” he wrote.
The Chiefs’ situation is dire, as Mahomes’ absence significantly alters the team’s dynamic. He was seen leaving the field with a towel covering his head, a poignant symbol of the emotional toll the injury has taken. Analysts and fans alike have turned their focus to the implications of this surgery, noting that recovery for an ACL tear generally spans between nine and twelve months. This timeline raises concerns about whether Mahomes will be able to participate in the start of the 2026 season.
The Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention, meaning Mahomes was likely to be rested for the remainder of the season even without the injury. However, the loss of their star quarterback is a significant blow, impacting not only team morale but also their future prospects. As the franchise looks to rebound from this setback, the hope remains that Mahomes’ determination and resilience will see him return stronger than ever.
