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 Chiefs' quarterback was hurt in the closing minutes of Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, which ended the Chiefs' decadelong streak of making the postseason.

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.

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 exited the game with 1:53 remaining with an apparent leg injury in a 16-13 loss to the Chargers that eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention.

Per Bass Medical Group, a torn ACL that requires surgery and rehab typically carries an 8-12 month recovery timeline in the NFL. Meanwhile, a mild MCL sprain is a 2-6 week recovery, and a complete MCL rupture is 3-6 months. The severity of a torn ACL is determined in a grading system, like some other injuries.

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

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.

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.

Take a look at our staff predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.