Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee during Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team announced the injury was confirmed following an MRI.
“Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options,” the Chiefs said in a statement.
Mahomes was injured late in the fourth quarter when his left leg was twisted as he planted his foot and Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand tackled him near the sideline with less than two minutes to play. After hitting the turf, Mahomes immediately grabbed his left knee and winced in pain.
He needed assistance to get back to his feet and was helped by trainers as he limped to the locker room.
Gardner Minshew replaced Mahomes under center for the final plays of the 16-13 loss. Minshew completed three straight passes to keep the drive alive, but he was picked off by Derwin James on a ball intended for Travis Kelce with 14 seconds remaining.
The loss also eliminated the Chiefs from postseason contention.
The star quarterback reacted to the news on social media later Sunday.
“Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes wrote on social media. “And not going to lie, [it] hurts. But all we can do now is [trust] in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you, Chiefs kingdom, for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I [will] be back stronger than ever.”
