Mahomes tears ACL, Chiefs ousted from playoff race

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL during a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that eliminated Kansas City from postseason contention Sunday.

"Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options," the team announced in a statement.

Mahomes shared a message on social media saying he'll be back "stronger than ever."

"Don't know why this had to happen," the three-time Super Bowl MVP wrote. "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."

Mahomes was hurt on a hit late in the fourth quarter while he was attempting a pass.

Cameras showed Mahomes receiving significant help getting to the locker room minutes later.

Gardner Minshew entered the game and threw a late interception with Kansas City approaching field-goal range and needing three points to force overtime.

The Chiefs fell to 6-8 with Sunday's home loss. The defeat - combined with wins from the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans - mathematically ended the reigning AFC champions' chances of making the playoffs.

Mahomes completed 16 of 28 attempts for 189 yards and no touchdowns with one interception against the Chargers. He added 15 yards and one TD on the ground.

It's the first time the Chiefs will miss the postseason since 2014. They had reached the AFC title game each year since Mahomes became their starter in 2018, winning three Super Bowls in that span.

Kansas City started the 2025 campaign 0-2 but clawed back to 5-3 in the season's first half. However, Mahomes and Co. weren't able to replicate that success in recent weeks, losing five of their past six games.