Chiefs Eliminated from Playoff Contention, Mahomes Out with Torn ACL in Devastating Turn
The Kansas City Chiefs’ bid for a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance came to a crashing halt on Sunday-and not just on the scoreboard. A 6-8 record after their loss to the Chargers officially knocks them out of the playoff picture, but the bigger gut punch came late in the game: Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL, ending his season and potentially impacting the start of his 2026 campaign.
The injury happened with just under two minutes remaining, as Mahomes was trying to engineer one of his signature late-game comebacks. While stepping up in the pocket, he was rolled up on by Chargers defender Da'Shawn Hand.
The moment Mahomes hit the turf, it was clear something was wrong. He stayed down in obvious pain, eventually helped off the field by trainers and taken to the locker room.
He wouldn’t return.
Gardner Minshew stepped in as the backup and had a chance to play hero-but instead, his late-game interception sealed the Chiefs’ fate.
After the game, Minshew didn’t shy away from the emotion of the moment. He spoke candidly about what Mahomes means to the team-not just as a quarterback, but as a leader.
“It’s very frustrating, man,” Minshew said. “It’s been hard to watch for Pat.
Like that dude puts so much into it. I don’t think I’ve ever respected anybody I’ve ever played with more.”
That’s not just lip service. Mahomes has been the engine behind Kansas City’s dominance over the past half-decade.
He’s played through injuries, taken hits, and still delivered highlight-reel throws week after week. This season, though, hasn’t followed that script.
His final stat line for 2025: 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a passer rating of 89.6-the lowest of his career.
Still, Minshew made it clear: Mahomes isn’t just a talent, he’s a tone-setter.
Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew on Patrick Mahomes:
— Mark Poulose (@MarkPoulose) December 14, 2025
"I don't think I've ever respected anybody I play with more. I've never seen anybody I play with give so much of themselves to the team ... I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back better than ever."#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/vWSoEMesbd
“He shows up every day, every play, every work day just giving it his best, trying to lead,” Minshew added. “And yeah, he’s the best.”
You could hear the respect in his voice. And it’s not hard to understand why.
Mahomes has redefined the quarterback position in today’s NFL-his creativity, poise, and competitiveness have made him the face of the league. Even in a down year, with an offense that never quite found its rhythm, Mahomes continued to battle.
But now, with the Chiefs officially out of the postseason and their franchise quarterback sidelined, the rest of the season becomes about pride, evaluation, and maybe a little soul-searching. Minshew is expected to finish out the final three games against the Titans, Broncos, and Raiders.
It’s unfamiliar territory for Kansas City. For the first time in years, they’ll be watching the playoffs from home. And for the first time since Mahomes took the reins, there are real questions about what comes next.
But if there’s one thing the Chiefs-and the rest of the NFL-have learned over the years, it’s this: Never count out Patrick Mahomes. Not even now.