Patrick Mahomes suffered a devastating ACL tear in a late loss to the Chargers, ending the Chiefs’ playoff hopes and casting uncertainty over the 2026 season.
Patrick Mahomes Suffers ACL Tear in Crushing Loss That Ends Chiefs’ Season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AffairsTime) — The Kansas City Chiefs’ tumultuous season came to a heartbreaking end Sunday night after star quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee during the final moments of a 16–13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The injury occurred as Mahomes attempted one last desperate drive to keep Kansas City’s postseason hopes alive. Instead, it marked the most serious setback of his illustrious nine-year NFL career and officially eliminated the defending AFC champions from playoff contention.
According to the team, Mahomes is now considering surgical options, and he is not expected to return to game action until sometime in 2026.
A Defining Moment in a Storied Career
For Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP and the engine behind three Super Bowl championships, the injury represents a stunning and sobering turn. Since becoming Kansas City’s starter, Mahomes had guided the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game in each of his first seven seasons — a streak that symbolized one of the most dominant runs by a quarterback in league history.
This year, however, the Chiefs fell short of even qualifying for the playoffs, a reality made official Sunday night as results elsewhere around the league sealed their fate.
How the Injury Happened
Kansas City had just crossed midfield with less than two minutes remaining when Mahomes scrambled toward the sideline under heavy pressure. As he attempted to release the ball, Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand spun him to the turf.
Almost immediately, Mahomes grabbed at his left knee as trainers rushed onto the field.
He was helped to the blue injury tent but remained there only briefly. Moments later, he emerged limping heavily, flanked by medical staff, with a white towel draped over his head — a visual that stunned fans inside Arrowhead Stadium.
“He will get an MRI tomorrow or this evening,” head coach Andy Reid said after the game. “Whenever we can.”
Late Rally Falls Short Without Mahomes
With Mahomes sidelined, Gardner Minshew took over at quarterback and briefly injected hope into the Chiefs’ sideline. He completed three consecutive passes, moving Kansas City into scoring range with seconds ticking away.
But the comeback attempt ended abruptly when Derwin James intercepted Minshew on a jump ball intended for tight end Travis Kelce with just 14 seconds remaining, sealing the Chargers’ season sweep of Kansas City.
“I hate the situation,” Minshew said. “I hate that I couldn’t deliver the win and keep our hopes alive.”
Playoff Elimination Confirmed
The loss, combined with wins by Jacksonville, Buffalo, and Houston, officially knocked the Chiefs out of postseason contention — a stunning outcome for a franchise that has defined consistency for nearly a decade.
“It’s been hard to watch for Pat,” Minshew added. “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.”
Chiefs Overwhelmed by Injuries Across the Roster
Mahomes’ ACL injury was only the latest blow in a season plagued by relentless injuries, particularly along the offensive line.
Kansas City entered the game already without:
- Left tackle Josh Simmons (fractured wrist, injured reserve)
- Backup Wanya Morris (knee injury)
- Right tackle Trey Smith (ankle, inactive)
- Jawaan Taylor, who played through a triceps injury
During the game, Jaylon Moore also suffered a knee injury, forcing the Chiefs to rely on Esa Pole and Chukwuebuka Godrick, an international pathway player who had never previously appeared in an NFL game, to protect their franchise quarterback.
Wide Receiver and Defensive Setbacks
The Chiefs’ receiving corps was equally depleted. Marquise Brown was inactive due to a family matter, while Tyquan Thornton left the game after a violent hit and was evaluated for a concussion. Rookie Xavier Worthy also missed time while clearing concussion protocol.
Defensively, the Chiefs began the game without Trent McDuffie (knee injury). In a span of three consecutive plays, they also lost Nick Bolton, Chris Jones, and Jaylen Watson, though all three later returned.
“We have a lot of guys who are very resilient in our locker room,” Jones said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the outcome we hoped for, but everyone battled.”
What’s Next for Kansas City?
As AffairsTime continues to follow developments, all eyes now turn to Mahomes’ medical evaluation and the organization’s long-term plans. The Chiefs face a pivotal offseason defined by recovery, roster reassessment, and the challenge of rebounding without their franchise quarterback for an extended period.
For now, one of the NFL’s most dominant eras pauses under the weight of uncertainty — and a single, devastating injury.