Patrick Mahomes suffers torn ACL, Chiefs announce

Mahomes suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Chargers

The Chiefs lost more than a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

They lost their starting quarterback for the rest of the regular season.

“An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game,” the team announced Sunday evening on social media. “Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.”

Mahomes suffered the season-ending injury with less than two minutes remaining in Sunday’s 16-13 loss after he was tackled awkwardly near the Chiefs’ sideline.

Trainers rushed to his side before helping him to the medical tent. Mahomes then emerged from the tent with a towel over his head, his arms wrapped around two staff members as he was taken to the locker room.

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew entered the game and threw an interception with less than 20 seconds remaining in regulation. The loss eliminated the Chiefs from the postseason.

Minshew projects as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback for the remaining three games against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16, the Denver Broncos in Week 17 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.

The Chiefs also have quarterback Chris Oladokun on the practice squad.

In the meantime, Mahomes will have the rest of the regular season and the early months of 2026 to attack his rehab.

The Chiefs’ offseason workout program typically starts in late April ahead of May’s organized team activities (OTAs), which will last through mid-June.

Whether Mahomes will be ready for either OTAs or the late summer training camp remains to be seen, but he vowed to make a strong return.

“Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes posted on social media shortly after the game. “And not going to lie it’s hurt. But all we can 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.”

Mahomes finishes the 2025 regular season with 3,587 yards passing and 22 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He added 422 yards rushing with five touchdowns.