The Kansas City Chiefs' postseason hopes came to a screeching halt in Week 15, and the blow was twofold: not only did they fall to the Los Angeles Chargers, but they also lost Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending ACL injury. For a team that’s become synonymous with January football, this is unfamiliar territory.
Mahomes went down late in the game, with under two minutes left on the clock. Scrambling to extend the play-as he’s done countless times-he was chased by Chargers defensive end Da'Shawn Hand.
As Mahomes planted his left foot to make a throw, his knee gave out. He immediately crumpled to the turf, clutching his leg in pain.
The incompletion was secondary. All eyes were on No. 15, who had to be helped off the field.
An MRI confirmed the worst: a torn ACL, with damage to the LCL as well. Mahomes underwent surgery the following day in Dallas.
It’s a gut punch, no doubt. Mahomes has been the face of this Chiefs era-an era defined by offensive fireworks, postseason comebacks, and a Super Bowl pedigree.
Now, for the first time since 2014, Kansas City will not be part of the playoff picture. And for the first time in his career, Mahomes won’t suit up in the postseason.
Still, the quarterback remains resolute. In a message shared on social media, Mahomes opened up about the injury and the emotions that came with it.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it hurts. But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day,” he wrote.
It’s the kind of mindset that’s defined Mahomes' career-relentless, focused, and team-first. And while the Chiefs’ season ends earlier than anyone expected, that leadership doesn’t go unnoticed.
Even longtime fans are trying to find the silver linings. Actor Paul Rudd, a diehard Chiefs supporter, spoke on the “New Heights” podcast about the bittersweet end to the season.
"I'm thinking about Patrick, I'm wishing him a speedy recovery and everything for the club, but I'm OK, and I'm excited," Rudd said. "You know what?
I'm excited for some of the players to get maybe a little bit of a summer vacation. I mean, my God, you've (Travis Kelce) played an extra season of football compared to everyone else.
And so I'm like, 'Oh, good, you get a break and some a chance to kind of rest up.' And so, yeah, I'm not too, too upset."
That sentiment might not reflect the mood in Kansas City right now, but there’s truth in it. The Chiefs have played a lot of football over the last five years-deep playoff runs, Super Bowl appearances, and a target on their back every single week. Eventually, the wear and tear catches up, and this season, it hit hard.
With Mahomes sidelined, Gardner Minshew stepped in as QB1. But the injury bug didn’t stop there-Minshew took a hit to the knee during Sunday’s game against the Titans. His status remains uncertain heading into the Chiefs’ Christmas Day matchup against the Denver Broncos.
The AFC West, once a playground for Kansas City, now has a new leader. Either the Chargers or Broncos will take the crown this year, officially ending the Chiefs' run atop the division.
It’s a strange sight-Mahomes not in the playoffs, Arrowhead not hosting postseason football. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last half-decade, it’s this: don’t count out Kansas City for long. Mahomes will be back, and so will the Chiefs.