Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

What We Know So Far About Patrick Mahomes’ Injury

Originally posted on Kansas City Chiefs on SI
By Michael Canelo | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 11:30 AM ET

It was a difficult scene a week ago for all of the NFL, especially the Kansas City Chiefs, when they saw their franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, go down late in the team's Week 15 loss. It was not good news either.

Usually, when you see Mahomes go down hard, he's quick to get back up and shake it off. That was not what happened this time around. Mahomes was rolling out and went down awkwardly. Then, when Mahomes did not get up, you knew something was wrong.

Mahomes came out of the game, and it was later confirmed that the three-time Super Bowl Champion had torn his ACL. It was not the news that Mahomes or anyone wanted to hear. Now, Mahomes will attack the rehab process.

And there is one thing we do know: Mahomes is a hard worker and will come back better than he was before. It is just the start, but he is already looking at ways he could get better. It is just part of his mindset and why he is the best in the league.

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

A look at Mahomes Injury

"Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14. The injury was caused by hyperextension. Mahomes had to exit the game during the Chiefs’ final drive, and his team’s eventual loss knocked them out of playoff contention for the first time since 2014," said Jayna Bardahl of The Athletic.

"ACL tears occur when too much stress is placed on the ligament. These injuries can be contact-related or occur without any contact at all. Sudden stops in acceleration, twisting movements, hyperextension or landing awkwardly from a jump can all cause excessive strain on the ACL and result in a tear."

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

"Recovery can take anywhere from nine to 12 months, meaning a torn ACL is almost always season-ending in the NFL. Most ACL tears require surgery and extended physical therapy to heal."

"Mahomes acted quickly on his injury by getting surgery the following day, which was deemed successful. Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said rehab started on Tuesday with the early goal of getting the quarterback’s muscles firing to help reduce the swelling in his knee. Mahomes will wear a protective brace as his knee heals."