Overview
- The Chiefs confirmed Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in the closing moments of the Week 15 loss to the Chargers, a defeat that also sealed their playoff elimination.
- Kansas City announced on Dec. 15 that Mahomes had ACL surgery performed by Dr. Dan Cooper and began rehabilitation immediately.
- NFL Media reporting places the recovery window at roughly 9 to 12 months, making mid-September 2026 the earliest projected return.
- With Gardner Minshew dealing with a knee injury sustained in Week 16, former practice-squad quarterback Chris Oladokun is slated to start the remaining games.
- Kansas City will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014, ending a run in which the team was never eliminated before the AFC title game during Mahomes’ tenure as starter.