Chiefs’ Postseason Dreams Cut Short by Mahomes’ ACL Tear in 16‑13 Loss to Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason hopes ended abruptly when Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in the final minutes of a 16‑13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Game

The matchup was a back‑and‑forth battle that saw the Chiefs jump to a 13‑3 lead before the Chargers rallied. In the first half, Mahomes capped the opening drive with a 12‑yard touchdown, followed by a field goal and another by Harrison Butker, giving Kansas City a 13‑point advantage with 38 seconds left of the half. The Chargers answered in the second half, with Justin Herbert completing three passes in five plays for 60 yards. KeAndre Lambert‑Smith’s first career touchdown catch narrowed the gap, and Cameron Dicker tied the game before Herbert’s 49‑yard field goal with 2:40 remaining in the third quarter.

Injury Details

Mahomes was sprinting toward the sideline when defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand spun him to the ground. The two‑time MVP grabbed at his left knee and later left the field with a painful, torn ACL. Chiefs coach Andy Reid remarked afterward, “It didn’t look good.” The club released an update confirming the MRI results and noting that surgical options were being explored. On social media, Mahomes posted, “Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again.”

Minshew’s Brief Spotlight

With Mahomes sidelined, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took the helm. He completed three straight passes, briefly reviving hope for the Chiefs. However, with 20 seconds remaining, Minshew’s pass to Travis Kelce was snatched by Derwin James, sealing the Chargers’ victory. The Los Angeles team, now 10‑4, celebrated a second straight 10‑win season and a potential second straight postseason appearance.

Coaches’ Reactions

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh praised his team’s performance, saying, “It’s a ball team. This is a ball team. Starting to think this is my favorite ball team that I’ve ever been on. I’ve been on a lot of teams, none better than this team. It’s a ball team. A real ball team. Love these guys.” Defensive end Derwin James added, “We know what that team has done the last eight, nine years. Coming into Arrowhead Stadium and getting a win, it means a lot for our team, because we’re 5‑0 in our division.”

Looking Ahead

Minshew will lead the Chiefs for the remaining three games, including a primetime showdown with the Denver Broncos on Christmas night. He stated, “I’ll do whatever the coaches ask of me, and we’ll go try to win some games.” The Chiefs, now 6‑8, are guaranteed to watch the playoffs on TV for the first time since 2014. Tight end Travis Kelce declined to discuss the playoff outlook, replying to reporters, “Sorry guys, it’s not the time.”

Injury List

• Chargers: WR Quentin Johnson (groin) inactive; S R.J. Mickens left with a shoulder injury.
• Chiefs: CB Trent McDuffie (knee) inactive; Tyquan Thornton (concussion protocol); RT Jaylon Moore (knee) left and did not return.

Game‑Changing Moments

• Mahomes’ 189 yards passing were marred by a pick‑off by Daiyan Henley on a jump ball to Kareem Hunt at the goal line.
• Thornton’s 20‑yard reception ended in concussion protocol after a hit by cornerback Tony Jefferson, who was later ejected.
• Jefferson’s ejection forced Henley and James to push him toward the tunnel.

Key Takeaways

• Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in the final minutes of a 16‑13 loss to the Chargers.
• Backup Gardner Minshew briefly steadied the Chiefs before Derwin James’ interception sealed the game.
• Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh praised his team as the best he’s ever coached.

The Chiefs’ season ends with a 16‑13 defeat, but the team’s resilience and the emergence of Minshew offer a silver lining as they prepare for the final games and the possibility of future playoff appearances.

Next Games

• Chargers: at Dallas next Sunday.
• Chiefs: at Tennessee next Sunday.