Patrick Mahomes Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear as Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes Collapse
The Kansas City Chiefs have been the NFL’s gold standard for the better part of a decade. But in 2025, the wheels have come off-and in Week 15, things went from bad to devastating.
Not only did the Chiefs fall to 6-8 with a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, officially knocking them out of playoff contention, but they also lost the face of their franchise. Late in the fourth quarter, Patrick Mahomes went down with what was later confirmed to be a torn ACL-and the injury is as serious as it sounds.
Mahomes was visibly in pain after being tackled, his leg caught awkwardly beneath a defender. He stayed down, clutching his left knee before being helped off the field and eventually taken to the locker room.
Head coach Andy Reid didn’t sugarcoat it postgame, admitting, “It didn’t look good.” That gut feeling turned out to be right.
The Injury and Immediate Aftermath
By Sunday night, the Chiefs confirmed what fans feared: Mahomes had torn the ACL in his left knee. Further reports revealed he also tore his LCL, making the injury even more complex.
The team issued a statement saying they were exploring surgical options, and by Monday, Mahomes had already undergone surgery in Dallas with Dr. Dan Cooper.
“Patrick Mahomes successfully underwent surgery… to repair the tear in his left ACL,” the Chiefs said. “Mahomes will begin his rehab process immediately.”
Mahomes later addressed the injury on social media, offering a heartfelt message to fans and teammates.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie, it hurts,” Mahomes wrote.
“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.”
It’s a crushing blow-not just for the Chiefs, but for the league. Mahomes is more than a quarterback; he’s a generational talent, a two-time MVP, and the engine behind Kansas City’s dynastic run.
What This Means for Mahomes’ Recovery
ACL injuries are never simple, especially for quarterbacks who rely on mobility, pocket movement, and off-platform throws like Mahomes does. The Chiefs haven’t provided a specific recovery timeline yet, but based on similar injuries, we can expect a rehab period that spans anywhere from 8 to 12 months.
That range depends on several factors: the severity of the tear (Mahomes’ was complete), whether there are additional ligament injuries (in this case, the LCL was also torn), and how the player responds to surgery and rehab.
A torn ACL is classified as a Grade 3 injury-the most severe. That means the ligament is completely torn, leading to instability in the knee and a mandatory surgical repair. These injuries are no longer the career-enders they once were, but they still demand a grueling recovery process.
Other NFL Players Dealing with ACL Injuries in 2025
Mahomes isn’t alone in facing this uphill battle. The 2025 season has seen several high-profile ACL injuries across the league.
- Malik Nabers, the Giants’ explosive rookie wide receiver, tore his ACL in September. He’s expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
- Zach Ertz, the veteran tight end with the Commanders, suffered a torn ACL in Week 14.
At his age, the road back is steeper, and there’s speculation about whether he’ll return at all.
- Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons’ rookie quarterback, sustained a partial ACL tear earlier in the season. While not as severe, he still underwent surgery and faces a projected nine-month recovery.
Each case is different, but the common thread is time-time to heal, time to rebuild strength, and time to regain confidence in the knee.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
With Mahomes sidelined and the team out of playoff contention, the Chiefs are staring down an offseason filled with questions. This isn’t just about one injury-it’s about how the organization regroups after its most turbulent season in years.
Mahomes’ absence will force Kansas City to evaluate its quarterback depth, offensive identity, and long-term roster strategy. The front office and coaching staff will need to make smart, calculated decisions to ensure that when No. 15 returns, he’s surrounded by a team ready to contend again.
But for now, the focus is on recovery. Mahomes has overcome adversity before, and if his track record is any indication, he’ll attack this challenge with the same intensity he brings to the field every Sunday.
The Chiefs may be down this year, but don’t count them-or their quarterback-out for long.