Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in his left knee during Sunday’s loss (14) against the Los Angeles Chargers, his team announced in the early hours of Monday (15).
An MRI exam revealed the severity of the injury, which occurred with 1 minute and 53 seconds left in the match.
“Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options,” the team said.
Mahomes was running downfield when he was tackled from behind by the Chargers’ Da’Shawn Hand. As he fell to the ground, his left knee appeared to be hyperextended. Medical staff helped Mahomes limp to the locker room as backup Gardner Minshew took the field to replace him.
About 40 minutes before the announcement, Mahomes said he was emotionally shaken but promised he will return better than ever after recovering from the injury.
“I don’t know why this had to happen. And I’m not going to lie, it hurts,” Mahomes said on social media. “But all we can do now is trust in God and fight every day, without stopping. Thank you, Chiefs kingdom, for always supporting me and everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I will come back stronger than ever.”
The 16-13 loss eliminated Kansas City from the playoffs for the first time in Mahomes’ career. The Chiefs have reached the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons — the last seven with Mahomes commanding the offense — and have represented the AFC in five of the last six Super Bowls, winning three titles.
Mahomes, 30, completed 16 of 28 passes for 189 yards and opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 12-yard rushing touchdown. He has 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.
Coach Andy Reid feared the worst shortly after the game ended. “I don’t know, but it didn’t look good. I mean, you guys saw it. Let’s see what happens,” Reid said.
Kansas City will likely finish the season with Minshew as the starting quarterback.
The Chiefs were trailing 16-13 and had possession of the ball in midfield at the time of the injury. Minshew’s fifth pass attempt was intercepted by Derwin James Jr. at the Los Angeles 18-yard line with 14 seconds remaining.
“I don’t think I’ve ever respected anyone I play with so much. I’ve never seen anyone I play with give so much of themselves to the team,” Minshew said. “I have more confidence in him than anyone to come back better than ever.”
The victory completed the Charges’ sweep over the Chiefs this season, with the Los Angeles team recording ten wins and four losses, firmly in contention for the AFC (American Football Conference) playoffs.
“I hope Patrick (Mahomes) is OK. He’s one of the all-time great competitors in football history,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “I have complete respect for him and I just hope he’s okay. My thoughts and prayers are with him. I hope he had a narrow escape.”
