Patrick Mahomes, the two‑time MVP and three‑time Super Bowl champion, suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, abruptly ending the Kansas City Chiefs’ decade‑long playoff streak.
Trailing 16‑13 with less than two minutes left, Mahomes scrambled toward the Kansas City sideline, threw the ball away, and was spun to the ground by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. The quarterback planted his left knee awkwardly and the knee appeared to hyperextend, leaving him down in pain while medical staff tended to him. The Chiefs were forced to bring in backup Gardner Minshew with the field goal still needed to even the score.
An MRI later confirmed that Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee during the game. The Chiefs’ medical staff helped him off the field, allowed him to place some weight on the leg, and transported him to the blue medical tent before returning him to the locker room. The injury was described by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid as something that “didn’t look good.”
On December 15, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs’ official Twitter account posted, “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 tweet highlighted the seriousness of the injury and the team’s next steps.
Mahomes himself posted on social media the day after the game, saying, “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. 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.” His message reflected both the pain of the injury and his determination to recover.
Reid added that the injury “didn’t look good” and expressed disappointment that the Chiefs had to lose. The loss left the team at 6‑8 for the season, a record that failed to secure a playoff berth. The Chiefs’ decade‑long postseason streak was abruptly halted.
Minshew was thrust into the game with just under two minutes remaining, and the Chiefs needed a field goal to keep their playoff hopes alive. He managed to get the team into field‑goal range with a few short completions, but was intercepted by Derwin James on a second‑down play at the Chargers 39‑yard line with 14 seconds left. Minshew later told reporters, “I hate the situation. I hate that I couldn’t deliver the win and keep our hopes alive.”
The Chiefs’ 6‑8 record reflects a season that fell short of expectations, especially given their status as the defending AFC champions. Wins by Jacksonville, Buffalo, and Houston eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention. The team’s inability to finish strong was a stark contrast to their previous success.
Mahomes, who was drafted in 2017, will miss the playoffs for the first time in his career. The Chiefs’ loss, combined with the other teams’ victories, removed the defending AFC champions from the postseason. The 10‑season streak of reaching the playoffs was officially snapped.
The Chiefs’ streak was the second longest in league history, trailing only the New England Patriots’ run from 2009 to 2019. The abrupt end to the streak was a significant moment for the franchise and its fans. It also underscored the impact of Mahomes’ injury on the team’s trajectory.
With a torn ACL, the Chiefs and Mahomes are exploring surgical options, a process that will likely involve a lengthy recovery. The team’s focus will shift to maintaining competitiveness while Mahomes recovers. The Chiefs’ front office will need to address roster adjustments to compensate for the loss of their star quarterback.
The combination of a severe injury and a costly loss has reshaped the Chiefs’ outlook for the remainder of the season. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the team navigates the challenges ahead. The franchise’s future will hinge on Mahomes’ recovery and the organization’s ability to adapt to this sudden setback.
Key Takeaways
- Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL, ending the Chiefs’ 10‑year playoff streak.
- The loss to the Chargers forced a 6‑8 record and eliminated the team from postseason contention.
- Mahomes, drafted in 2017, will miss the playoffs for the first time in his career.
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