UPDATE: In a devastating turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention following a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025. The loss was compounded by an injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was seen leaving the field with a towel draped over his head after suffering a significant knee injury.
The game took a critical turn late in the fourth quarter when Mahomes was tackled by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand while attempting to throw the ball away. An MRI later confirmed that Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee, with the team now exploring surgical options. This injury marks a shocking blow to the Chiefs, who had their playoff hopes dashed for the first time since 2014.
As the game unfolded at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs appeared to be in control, taking an early lead with a touchdown run by Mahomes. However, the momentum shifted as Justin Herbert, playing through a broken left hand, led a fierce second-half rally that ultimately secured the Chargers’ victory.
With just 20 seconds left on the clock, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew attempted a desperate pass to Travis Kelce, which was intercepted by Chargers safety Derwin James, sealing the game for Los Angeles. “We know what that team has done the last eight, nine years,” James stated. “Coming into Arrowhead Stadium and getting a win means a lot for our team.”
The Chiefs are now left to navigate the rest of the season without their star player, with Minshew stepping in as quarterback for the final three games, including a significant primetime matchup against the Denver Broncos on Christmas night. The mood in the locker room was somber, with Kelce refusing to comment on the loss, reflecting the team’s overwhelming frustration.
The Chargers, now celebrating their second consecutive 10-win season, demonstrated resilience against their divisional rival. Coach Jim Harbaugh praised his team, stating, “This is my favorite ball team that I’ve ever been on.”
As fans process this shocking turn of events, the Chiefs will need to regroup quickly. Their path forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the impact of Mahomes’ injury will reverberate throughout the organization and its supporters, marking a pivotal moment in the 2025 season.
