Patrick Mahomes, the superstar quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, recently made shocking headlines after suffering a serious knee injury — leaving fans and sports analysts around the world asking: What happened to Mahomes? and Did he tear his ACL? Let’s break down the latest updates and what this means for his career and the Chiefs’ future.
What Happened to Patrick Mahomes?
During the Chiefs’ December 14, 2025 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes appeared to suffer a significant knee injury late in the fourth quarter. As he rolled out of the pocket and threw the ball away under pressure, his left knee buckled awkwardly when he was tackled, forcing him to the turf in visible pain. He was helped off the field and taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
Did Mahomes Get Hurt? Yes — Here’s What We Know
Soon after the game, the Kansas City Chiefs confirmed via MRI that Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in his left knee — a devastating blow for the franchise.
This injury immediately ended his 2025 season and dashed Kansas City’s hopes of extending their playoff streak. It also marks the most serious injury of Mahomes’ career, a player previously known for his durability and ability to extend plays with his mobility.
Understanding the ACL Tear
The ACL is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee, critical for movement in sports requiring cutting, pivoting, and sudden directional changes — all actions common to football, especially for mobile quarterbacks like Mahomes.
When the ACL is torn, it often requires surgical reconstruction, followed by a lengthy and structured rehabilitation process that can keep athletes off the field for 6 to 12 months or more depending on recovery progression.
Mahomes’ Reaction and Outlook
After the diagnosis, Mahomes took to social media, expressing his disappointment but also his determination to return stronger:
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not gonna lie, it hurts. But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day over and over again.”
The Chiefs organization confirmed that Mahomes and team medical staff are exploring surgical options, a standard step in ACL injury management for elite athletes.
How Long Will Mahomes Be Out?
While there’s no official timetable yet, ACL recovery typically involves:
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Surgery to reconstruct the ligament,
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Rehabilitation focused on restoring strength and mobility,
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Sport-specific training before a return to professional play.
For NFL players, healing to full competitive readiness usually spans 6 to 12+ months, meaning Mahomes could miss part or all of the upcoming season depending on surgical timing and recovery.
Impact on Chiefs and NFL
This injury not only ended Mahomes’ season but also eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention for the first time in years, making it a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history.
Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took over in the game and will likely play while Mahomes recovers, shifting offensive strategy moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Patrick Mahomes’ ACL tear has sent shockwaves through the NFL. While serious, modern medicine and rehabilitation give many athletes the chance to return to elite performance. Fans worldwide are hopeful that Mahomes — one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of his generation — will make a full recovery and return to the Chiefs lineup stronger than ever.
