Patrick Mahomes Out for Season with Torn ACL, Chiefs Eliminated from Playoff Contention
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season took a devastating final blow on Sunday, and it came in the worst way imaginable - with their franchise cornerstone, Patrick Mahomes, going down with a season-ending ACL tear.
With less than two minutes left in a must-win game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes scrambled to extend a play - something we've seen him do countless times with magic results. But this time, it ended in heartbreak.
As he was tackled by Da’Shawn Hand, Mahomes went down awkwardly. He stayed on the ground, and the silence inside Arrowhead said it all.
The Chiefs would go on to lose 16-13, officially ending their playoff hopes.
Hours after the game, the team confirmed what everyone feared: Mahomes had torn his ACL and would miss the remainder of the season.
This injury caps off a season where nothing seemed to click for the defending AFC champions. From inconsistent offensive rhythm to a defense that couldn't always bail them out, the Chiefs never found their stride - and now, with Mahomes sidelined, their playoff streak ends at nine straight years. It’s the first time Kansas City will miss the postseason since 2014, and they now face the possibility of finishing below .500 for the first time since 2012.
Mahomes, never one to stay silent in the face of adversity, addressed the injury on social media late Sunday night. His message was raw and heartfelt:
“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 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 gut-punch for Chiefs fans, but if there’s one thing Mahomes has shown throughout his career, it’s resilience. Whether it’s playing through injury in the playoffs or engineering comeback wins with surgical precision, he’s built his legacy on toughness and belief.
Now, the focus shifts to Gardner Minshew II, who’s been thrust into the spotlight to finish out the season. Minshew brings experience and swagger, but let’s be honest - replacing Mahomes is an impossible ask. Still, the Chiefs will need him to steady the ship and try to salvage what’s left of a season that’s gone completely off-script.
This isn’t how the Chiefs envisioned 2025 playing out. But with Mahomes already setting his sights on recovery, you can bet the fire’s already burning for a comeback. And knowing No. 15, he’ll be back - and as dangerous as ever.