The Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 season took a devastating and unexpected turn in Week 15, an outcome that has left the franchise and its global fanbase reeling. A loss to the Los Angeles Chargers officially eliminated them from postseason contention, but the far more significant blow was the sight of their superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, leaving the field with a serious knee injury. For the first time since he took over as the starter, the Chiefs will finish a campaign without their franchise leader under center.
The Controversial Play and the NFL's Verdict
The incident that altered the Chiefs' trajectory occurred as Mahomes scrambled to his right, attempting to keep a play alive. Chargers defensive end Da'Shawn Hand pursued from behind, wrapping up the quarterback around the waist. Mahomes managed to release the football, but Hand's momentum continued, twisting Mahomes as he fell. Upon landing, his left leg appeared to plant awkwardly while his right knee buckled inward.
The aftermath proved almost as painful as the injury itself for the Chiefs organisation. The NFL, after reviewing the play, determined there was no illegal action by Da'Shawn Hand. No penalty flag was thrown during the game, and no fine was issued afterward. This league decision has been a bitter pill for Chiefs supporters to swallow, adding insult to the severe injury that now sidelines their most important player.
Severity of the Injury and Immediate Aftermath
The team's worst fears were soon confirmed by medical evaluations. Patrick Mahomes suffered tears to both his LCL and ACL in his left knee. He underwent surgery swiftly, within 24 hours of the injury, a procedure the team reported was successful. However, the damage was irreversible for the ongoing season. Mahomes was immediately placed on injured reserve, officially ending his 2025 campaign.
With their season on the line, the Chiefs turned to backup Gardner Minshew during the Chargers game, but he could not engineer a comeback. The team also elevated Chris Oladokun from the practice squad to provide depth at the quarterback position. This series of events marks a stark and unfamiliar reality for Kansas City: preparing for the final weeks of a regular season with no playoff possibilities and without their iconic QB1.
Road to Recovery and Looking Ahead
In the face of immense frustration, head coach Andy Reid chose to focus on the future and Mahomes' rehabilitation rather than assigning blame. Reid expressed strong confidence in his quarterback's resilience and work ethic. "I think he'll do great with the rehab. He's a pretty fast healer that way. And his attitude is 90% of things, how you go about it. How you're willing to push through the pain to get right," Reid stated.
Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance, Rick Burkholder, provided a clearer picture of the recovery timeline. He noted that Mahomes is under close medical supervision and that while the typical ballpark for such an injury is around nine months, it can vary. "(Mahomes) is so in tune to what he does, he does it a little quicker. Ballpark on this is nine months, but it could be a month or two more, a month or two less," Burkholder explained.
This timeline places Mahomes' potential return in the spotlight for the 2026 season. If his recovery progresses optimally, he could be ready for the start of next season. However, any complications or slower healing could mean the Chiefs begin the 2026 campaign without their talismanic leader on the field, a scenario the team hopes to avoid as they navigate this unprecedented challenge.
