KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One day after Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, head coach Andy Reid revealed that MRI results showed no major damage to any other ligaments.
Reid said Mahomes will travel to Dallas to seek a second medical opinion from Dr. Daniel Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ head team physician. Surgery is expected to take place later this week.
According to Reid, Mahomes is already focused on his recovery and is expected to attack rehabilitation with the same intensity he brings to the field. Reid added that several quarterbacks have successfully returned from similar injuries and expressed optimism that, if surgery goes as planned, Mahomes could make a relatively swift recovery.
Mahomes was injured in the final two minutes of Sunday’s 16–13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, a defeat that officially eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention. While attempting to spark a late comeback, Mahomes scrambled to his right under pressure from defensive end Da’Shawn Hand. After planting his left foot and throwing the ball away, his knee buckled, sending him to the ground in visible pain.
Later, Mahomes addressed the injury on social media, admitting the setback was painful but expressing faith, gratitude toward Chiefs fans, and confidence that he will return stronger.
Following surgery, Mahomes is expected to miss the team’s offseason program, and his status for the start of next season remains uncertain.
At age 30, Mahomes has largely avoided serious long-term injuries throughout his NFL career. In 2019, he dislocated his right kneecap but missed only two games before leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl title. He later played through a concussion and turf toe during the 2020 playoffs, and in 2022, he guided Kansas City to another Super Bowl victory despite a high ankle sprain.
Reid said Mahomes is mentally in a good place, though disappointed, and is ready to face the challenge ahead once surgery is complete.
With Mahomes sidelined, quarterback depth becomes a priority for Kansas City. The Chiefs currently do not have another quarterback under contract for the 2026 season. Veteran backup Gardner Minshew is expected to start the final three games of the regular season, a stretch that could determine his future with the team.
Reid expressed strong confidence in Minshew, citing his experience as an NFL starter and the trust he has earned within the locker room.
