KSHB 41 reporter Tod Palmer covers sports business and eastern Jackson County. Share your story idea with Tod.
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With the Chiefs driving to try and extend their season, Patrick Mahomes emerged from the blue sideline medical tent with a towel on his head.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback gingerly took a stride or two on his own before medical staff arrived to flank him on either side.
Mahomes lifted his arms onto their shoulders and slowly made his way toward the stairs behind Kansas City’s sideline.
"It didn't look good," Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters after the game.
Reid said after the game that Mahomes injured his left knee and would undergo an MRI as soon as Sunday night.
Kansas City confirmed the worst at 6:16 p.m. — Mahomes had suffered a torn ACL and was "exploring surgical options."
Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 15, 2025
An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.
The typical timeline for recovery from an ACL injury is nine to 12 months, which means Mahomes won't be available during the offseason and probably will miss training camp.
He may not even be available to start the 2026 season, depending on how he responds to surgery and rehabilitation.
“I have more confidence in him than anyone to come back and be better than ever,” his backup, Gardner Minshew. said.
Shortly before the team confirmed the diagnosis, Mahomes posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, after the game that he doesn't "know why this had to happen" and said it "hurts."
"But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day over and over again," Mahomes said.
Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s 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…
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025
He finished his message by thanking Chiefs Kingdom for its support and promised to "be back stronger than ever."
It's unclear if the message refers to the injury specifically, the struggle-filled season or some combination, but several teammates relayed their postgame interactions with the future Hall of Fame QB.
“He’s down, man, obviously,” Minshew, said. “It’s a tough game, been a tough year to this point, but nobody’s better for it.”
Defensive tackle Chris Jones said, “I just hugged him, man. That’s my brother. We’ve done been through so much. ... (and) we love Pat. That’s my guy. That’s Pat Mahomes.”
An emotional Travis Kelce, one of Mahomes' best friends on the team, wore sunglasses as he exited the Chiefs' locker room: "Sorry, guys. It's not the time. I'll catch you guys during the week."
“I’m just praying for him and hope he has a speedy recovery,” cornerback Jaylen Watson said.
As Mahomes walked toward the Chiefs’ locker room, presumably to get X-rays on an injured left leg, his replacement, Garnder Minshew, underthrew a pass intended for Kelce.
Derwin James picked off Minshew's throw, sealing a 16-13 win that ends any hope for Kansas City to make the playoffs.
Mahomes got hurt on the first snap after the two-minute warning.
He scrambled toward the Chiefs’ sideline, scanning downfield before throwing the ball away as Da’Shawn Hand arrived and dove toward Mahomes.
Hand, a 6-foot-3 and 300-pound defensive tackle, landed on Mahomes’ leg, which bent awkwardly underneath him.
Mahomes immediately rolled over and pulled his leg toward his chest before medical staff rushed to his side.
“It stinks,” center Creed Humphrey said. “We don’t know exactly what’s going on yet, so I can’t really say anything. I’m just hoping he’s OK.”
He finished the game 16 of 28 for 189 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, though Mahomes did run for a 12-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
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