NFL ruling sparks controversy after Patrick Mahomes suffers season-ending knee injury vs Chargers

The Kansas City Chiefs walked off the field in Week 15 knowing their season had changed in a way no one in the organization expected. A loss to the Los Angeles Chargers officially knocked them out of the playoff race, but the bigger blow came moments earlier when Patrick Mahomes went down with a serious knee injury. For the first time in his career, Kansas City is finishing a season without its franchise quarterback. The aftermath only made it harder to digest. When the NFL reviewed the play that injured Mahomes, the league ruled there was no illegal action. No flag during the game. No fine afterward. For Chiefs fans, that decision stung almost as much as the injury itself, especially given what it meant for the rest of the year.

Chiefs adjust after NFL decision on Patrick Mahomes injury

The injury occurred as Mahomes rolled to his right trying to extend the play. Chargers defensive end Da’Shawn Hand closed from behind and wrapped him around the waist. Mahomes released the ball, but Hand’s momentum carried through. As Mahomes came down, his left leg appeared to stick while his right knee folded underneath him. The Chiefs later confirmed the worst. Mahomes suffered both an LCL and ACL tear in his left knee. He underwent surgery soon after, which the team said was successful. Still, the damage was done. Mahomes was placed on injured reserve and ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Gardner Minshew took over during the game but could not change the outcome. Kansas City also elevated Chris Oladokun from the practice squad to provide depth at quarterback. It marks the first time since Mahomes became the starter that the Chiefs will not play postseason football.
Despite the frustration, head coach Andy Reid focused on recovery rather than blame. Reid has watched Mahomes fight through injuries before and believes his quarterback’s mindset will carry him through this one. “I think he’ll do great with the rehab. He’s a pretty fast healer that way. And his attitude is 90% of things, how you go about it. How you’re willing to push through the pain to get right,” Reid said.
Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder added clarity on what comes next. He explained that Mahomes underwent surgery within 24 hours of the injury and remains under close medical supervision. “(Mahomes) is so in tune to what he does, he does it a little quicker. Ballpark on this is nine months, but it could be a month or two more, a month or two less,” Burkholder said.
If recovery stays on track, Mahomes could be ready for the start of next season. If it stretches longer, Kansas City may begin 2026 without him.
Also read: Injured Patrick Mahomes sends surprise gifts to Chiefs teammates while recovering from season-ending knee injury


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