Mahomes’ ACL Tear in 16‑13 Loss Ends Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes; Surgery Likely

In a dramatic finish to the season, Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee during the final seconds of a 16‑13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, putting Kansas City’s playoff aspirations in jeopardy and forcing the quarterback to consider surgical options.

The Play and the Injury

With less than two minutes remaining, the Chiefs had crossed midfield and were scrambling for a win. Mahomes, attempting to evade defenders, sprinted toward the sideline and tried to shed the ball. He was spun to the ground by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, and as he collapsed, he grabbed at his left knee. Trainers immediately converged, and the player was helped to the blue injury tent, but he only stayed a moment before limping toward the locker room with a white towel draped over his head.

Immediate Aftermath and Team Reaction

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “He will get an MRI tomorrow or this evening,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “whenever we can.” The news came Sunday night, confirming the injury that everyone in Kansas City had feared. Defensive tackle Chris Jones, a teammate and close friend, said, “I just hugged him, man,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “That’s my brother. We’ve been through so much. We love Pat.”

Mahomes’ Own Words

Mahomes posted on social media before the diagnosis was announced: “Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes posted on social media before the diagnosis was announced. “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 stronger than ever.”

Gardner Minshew’s Frustration

After Mahomes’ injury, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew entered the game and completed three straight passes to give the Chiefs a chance. He was picked off by Derwin James on a jump ball intended for Travis Kelce with 14 seconds remaining, sealing the Chargers’ season sweep of Kansas City. Minshew said, “I hate the situation. I hate that I couldn’t deliver the win and keep our hopes alive,” Minshew said. He added, “It’s very frustrating, man. It’s been hard to watch for Pat, a dude that puts so much into it,” Minshew said. “I’ve never seen someone give so much of themselves to the team. I have confidence in him and his ability to come back better than ever.”

Playoff Elimination

The loss, combined with wins by Jacksonville, Buffalo and Houston, eliminated the defending AFC champions from playoff contention. The Chiefs will not make the playoffs this year, and Mahomes will not return to the field until sometime in 2026.

A History of Resilience

Mahomes, 30, has dodged severe injuries for most of his nine‑year career. The worst previous injury may have come in 2019, when he dislocated his right kneecap on a quarterback sneak against the Broncos, a fluke injury that may be why Reid has not called another traditional QB sneak in years. He has dealt with a concussion, turf toe and other minor injuries, but his most famous moment was during the 2022 playoffs, when he sustained a severe high ankle sprain. Despite questions about his ability to play the next week, he not only returned to the field but led the Chiefs to victory and then to an eventual Super Bowl title.

Offensive Setbacks

The injury to Mahomes, who threw for just 189 yards with an interception, was the latest and most severe in a series of setbacks that have turned what had been one of the NFL’s best offenses into a shadow of itself. Kansas City started the game with left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve with a fractured wrist, backup Wanya Morris out with a knee injury, right tackle Trey Smith inactive with an ankle injury and right tackle Jawaan Taylor dealing with a triceps injury. Backup right tackle Jaylon Moore hurt his knee during the game, too, leaving journeyman Esa Pole and Chukwuebuka Godrick—an international pathway player who had never appeared in an NFL game—to protect Mahomes down the stretch.

Defensive and Receiver Injuries

The Chiefs also were missing Marquise Brown, who was inactive while dealing with a family matter, and fellow wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who was crushed by Chargers cornerback Tony Jefferson after a 20‑yard catch and was evaluated for a concussion. Another receiver, Xavier Worthy, missed part of the game while clearing the concussion protocol. The team began the game without Trent McDuffie, who was inactive with a knee injury. In a span of three straight plays, they lost linebacker Nick Bolton, defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback Jaylen Watson, though each of them eventually returned.

Chris Jones on the Team’s Resilience

Jones said, “We have a lot of guys who are very resilient in our locker room,” Jones said. “We all knew what was at stake. We all wanted to be part of this game. We were looking forward to it. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the outcome we hoped for, but everyone battled.”

Key Takeaways

• Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in a 16‑13 loss to the Chargers, ending Chiefs’ playoff hopes.
• The injury will likely require surgery, and Mahomes will not return until 2026.
• The Chiefs faced a cascade of injuries across offense and defense, compounding the setback.

The season’s future now hinges on Mahomes’ recovery and the Chiefs’ ability to rebuild around a roster that has been battered by injuries.