Patrick Mahomes Injury Keeps Chiefs Out of NFL Playoffs for the First Time in a Decade
Patrick Mahomes.
Credit :
David Eulitt/Getty
Need to Know
- Patrick Mahomes was injured in the final moments of the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14.
- The quarterback fell to the field clutching his left knee in the final two minutes of the game.
- The loss eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention for the first time in ten years.
Patrick Mahomes added injury to the Chiefs’ heartbreak during their recent defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. In the final moments of the game on December 14, the 30-year-old quarterback was tackled after attempting to secure a touchdown and fell to the ground clutching his left knee, visibly in pain.
As medical staff rushed to his aid, Mahomes remained on the field while his teammates knelt in concern. Following evaluation, he was assisted off the field.
Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took over but quickly threw an interception, sealing the Chiefs’ fate and their playoff hopes. The team’s loss marks the first time they have been eliminated from postseason contention in a decade, denying them a chance to compete for the Super Bowl title in 2025.
Patrick Mahomes.
Jamie Squire/Getty
This loss signifies the end of a ten-year playoff streak for the Chiefs and marks the first time Mahomes has missed the postseason during his career.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid confirmed that Mahomes will undergo an MRI to assess the injury’s severity, remarking, “It didn’t look good,” as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Additionally, this game could have been one of the final significant appearances for Mahomes’ close friend and teammate Travis Kelce, who is contemplating retirement after this season.
Patrick Mahomes.
Jamie Squire/Getty
Reflecting on the season, Mahomes expressed his appreciation for time spent with Kelce, acknowledging the possibility of retirement. “Every season I’ve had with him these last few years, I try to cherish because you never know [if this will be Kelce’s last season],” he stated following their loss on December 7.
