Patrick Mahomes Carried From The Field With Significant Knee Injury As Chiefs Out Of Playoffs Contention

The Kansas City Chiefs season, on life support for several weeks now, is over for all practical purposes because they've been eliminated from playoff contention and the horrible picture that tells that story is quarterback Patrick Mahomes being carried back to the team's locker room with an apparent knee injury.

Mahomes injured his left knee in the final two minutes of a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He is done for the season with an ACL injury.

Mahomes Season Over

The Chiefs announced an MRI confirmed what everyone believed to be the worst possible scenario. Mahomes and the team are now exploring surgery options.

Mahomes was helped up and tried to walk off the injury on the sideline even as the Chiefs replaced him with Gardner Minshew. But Mahomes coming back and the Chiefs rallying was to no avail.

Mahomes was eventually walked back to the Chiefs' locker room, his arm draped over Kansas City staffers, as he could not put weight on the knee.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said "it didn't look good," when asked about the Mahomes injury.

Mahomes faces a long rehabilitation and while his return for the start of next season is uncertain, there is a slight possibility he might be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season assuming he suffers no setbacks. 

End Of Road For Chiefs Excellence

Mahomes posted on X afterward but did not discuss the specifics of his injury. 

"Don't know why this had to happen," Mahomes 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. I will be back stronger than ever."

His long-term health is the primary concern because the Chiefs have been eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Four different scenarios had to play out for the Chiefs to be eliminated on Sunday. All four happened.

And so the Chiefs dynasty is in retreat now.

In recent years …

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 14: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs lays on the ground after sustaining an injury during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Chiefs Focus Shifts To 2026

They have three Super Bowl victories.

They have 5 Super Bowl appearances.

They have won nine consecutive AFC West titles.

That is all over. This will be the first time in the nine years Mahomes has been the Chiefs' starting quarterback that they do not qualify for the playoffs.

The worry is having Mahomes be at 100 percent when the 2026 season begins so that skid ends at one.