Posted on Dec 15

Chiefs QB Mahomes suffers torn ACL, Minshew set to start final three games

Posted Dec 15, 2025

Patrick Mahomes has suffered a season-ending torn ACL, raising significant concerns for the Kansas City Chiefs as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.

Why it matters: Mahomes is crucial to the Chiefs’ offensive scheme, which relies on his ability to extend plays and make quick decisions under pressure. His absence could drastically affect the team’s performance in the last three games, as well as their future playoff aspirations.

The Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention following a narrow 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers—a game in which the injury occurred with less than two minutes remaining.
With Mahomes sidelined, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, a seasoned five-year veteran, will take the reins for the remaining games.

What’s new: The Chiefs confirmed that Mahomes is expected to undergo surgery later this week.

Head Coach Andy Reid expressed optimism about Mahomes' recovery, stating, "As long as the surgery goes well, then I would expect a fairly quick recovery for him."
Mahomes himself reflected on the situation, saying, "Don't know why this had to happen... But all we can do now is [trust] in God and attack every single day."

Yes, but: While Minshew brings experience to the lineup, he lacks the dynamic playmaking ability of Mahomes.

In his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles, Minshew has shown flashes of brilliance but has not consistently performed at an elite level.
The Chiefs offensive system, often characterized by its reliance on vertical passing and improvisation, may need to be adjusted to suit Minshew’s strengths.

What to watch: The effectiveness of Minshew in executing the Chiefs' West Coast offense will be closely scrutinized over the next three games.

The team has no other quarterbacks under contract for the 2026 season, putting additional pressure on Minshew to perform well and maintain team morale.
Should Minshew struggle, questions about the Chiefs' depth at the quarterback position will arise, especially given Mahomes' history of injuries—he previously dislocated his right kneecap in 2019 and dealt with a high right ankle sprain during the 2022 postseason.

The bottom line: Mahomes' injury puts the Chiefs in a precarious position as they navigate the end of the season without their star quarterback.

With playoff hopes diminished, the organization must focus on Mahomes’ rehabilitation while evaluating Minshew's capabilities as a temporary starter.
As Reid noted, "I've got a ton of confidence in Gardner," but the true test will come as the Chiefs adapt their game plan in light of their changing circumstances.

Chiefs QB Mahomes suffers torn ACL, Minshew set to start final three games

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 15, 2025

Patrick Mahomes has suffered a season-ending torn ACL, raising significant concerns for the Kansas City Chiefs as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.

The Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention following a narrow 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers—a game in which the injury occurred with less than two minutes remaining.

With Mahomes sidelined, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, a seasoned five-year veteran, will take the reins for the remaining games.

What’s new: The Chiefs confirmed that Mahomes is expected to undergo surgery later this week.

Head Coach Andy Reid expressed optimism about Mahomes' recovery, stating, "As long as the surgery goes well, then I would expect a fairly quick recovery for him."

Mahomes himself reflected on the situation, saying, "Don't know why this had to happen... But all we can do now is [trust] in God and attack every single day."

Yes, but: While Minshew brings experience to the lineup, he lacks the dynamic playmaking ability of Mahomes.

In his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles, Minshew has shown flashes of brilliance but has not consistently performed at an elite level.

The Chiefs offensive system, often characterized by its reliance on vertical passing and improvisation, may need to be adjusted to suit Minshew’s strengths.

What to watch: The effectiveness of Minshew in executing the Chiefs' West Coast offense will be closely scrutinized over the next three games.

The team has no other quarterbacks under contract for the 2026 season, putting additional pressure on Minshew to perform well and maintain team morale.

Should Minshew struggle, questions about the Chiefs' depth at the quarterback position will arise, especially given Mahomes' history of injuries—he previously dislocated his right kneecap in 2019 and dealt with a high right ankle sprain during the 2022 postseason.

The bottom line: Mahomes' injury puts the Chiefs in a precarious position as they navigate the end of the season without their star quarterback.

With playoff hopes diminished, the organization must focus on Mahomes’ rehabilitation while evaluating Minshew's capabilities as a temporary starter.

As Reid noted, "I've got a ton of confidence in Gardner," but the true test will come as the Chiefs adapt their game plan in light of their changing circumstances.