In a heartbreaking turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury occurred with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter, effectively ending the Chiefs' playoff hopes for the 2025 season.
Who Is Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes was born on September 17, 1995, in Tyler, Texas. He started playing football at a young age and later became a star quarterback at Texas Tech University. In 2017, he was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the NFL draft
Mahomes Injury Details: What Happened?
Patrick Mahomes was scrambling toward the sideline, trying to keep the Chiefs' drive alive, when he was tackled by Chargers defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand. Mahomes immediately grabbed his left knee and had to be helped off the field by trainers. The play was a pivotal moment, as the Chiefs were just crossing midfield and trailing by three points.
Immediate Aftermath and Medical Update
Mahomes was taken directly to the locker room and later confirmed to have a torn ACL. The Chiefs announced that he is considering surgical options and will miss the remainder of the season. Coach Andy Reid said after the game, “It did not look good,” reflecting the seriousness of the injury.
Impact on Chiefs' Playoff Hopes
The Chiefs' playoff chances were already slim, but Mahomes' injury sealed their fate. With their star quarterback out, the Chiefs will now turn to backup Gardner Minshew for the rest of the season. The Chargers, meanwhile, moved closer to securing a playoff spot with their 16-13 victory.
What This Means for Mahomes and the Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has been the face of the Chiefs for nearly a decade, leading them to three Super Bowl titles and seven AFC Championship appearances. This injury marks the most significant setback of his career. Recovery from a torn ACL typically takes 9–12 months, meaning Mahomes could miss the entire 2026 season if surgery is required.
POWERFUL: Patrick Mahomes #Chiefs teammates got down on a knee and started PRAYING TO GOD after he went down with an injury.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) December 14, 2025
❤️❤️❤️
A powerful moment. Pat also gets down on his knee and prays every time one of his teammates is injured.
pic.twitter.com/ZA6HJCiEar
Chargers’ Playoff Push
The Chargers’ win over the Chiefs was crucial for their own playoff aspirations. By defeating Kansas City twice this season, Los Angeles has shown they are a serious contender. Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ defense held strong, keeping the Chiefs to just 13 points on the road.
