Reports confirmed Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee Sunday during the Chiefs' 16-13 loss to the Chargers that ended their playoff hopes. No. 15's 2025 season is now over, and he's unlikely to return until sometime deep into the 2026-27 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed Mahomes had successful surgery with Dr. Dan Cooper. The team said rehab will begin right away, but no return date was shared. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the added LCL tear does not guarantee a longer rehab. Still, it adds another layer to the process and raises questions about timing.

Whether Drake Maye against Bo Nix, Josh Allen against Trevor Lawrence, or any other quarterback combination – there’s one thing it won’t have

Patrick Mahomes II suffered a non-contact knee injury after his left knee hyperextended. It did not take long for the Chiefs to confirm the worst, as Mahomes was diagnosed with a season-ending ACL tear. Patrick Mahomes II suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season. pic.twitter.com/XQL44Rvn7G

Under head coach Andy Reid, the Kansas City Chiefs have built a dynasty behind Mahomes and have appeared in five of the last six Super Bowls. Mahomes, still only 30 years old, already has three championship rings but he won’t be adding to that tally this season.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders commanded the national spotlight on Saturday during the Big 12 Championship game against the BYU Cougars. The dominant showing at AT&

The theme of the 2025 NFL regular season has been one of extreme unpredictability: Super Bowl favorites performing below usual standards, unexpected comebacks and breakout teams taking the league by storm.

Athletes are typically able to return from ACL tears within 6-12 months. Tom Brady's recovery from an ACL tear offers the most optimistic outlook for what Mahomes could expect.