Patrick Mahomes suffered a severe left knee injury against the Los Angeles Chargers that was later diagnosed as a torn ACL, abruptly ending his season and stunning the Kansas City Chiefs. After his knee buckled on a rollout and he was helped to the locker room for an MRI, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew briefly energized an already injury ravaged offense before throwing a late interception. The Chargers’ 16-13 road win completed a season sweep, eliminated the defending AFC champions from playoff contention, and left Kansas City facing an uncertain 2026 while Mahomes and the club explore surgical options and a long rehabilitation.Patrick Mahomes’ torn ACL not only ends his season but also forces the Kansas City Chiefs to confront difficult questions about their offensive identity and depth heading into 2026. Gardner Minshew’s relief appearance showcased both his competitiveness and limitations, as he rallied the undermanned unit before his final interception in Chargers territory sealed defeat. With numerous key contributors such as Travis Kelce and several starting offensive linemen already sidelined or banged up, the franchise now must plan for a prolonged stretch without its longtime leader and emotional centerpiece.Patrick Mahomes’ injury cast a somber mood over Arrowhead Stadium as teammates knelt in prayer and fans reacted with visible shock and concern. The torn ACL diagnosis confirmed the worst fears of Kansas City supporters, who had watched Mahomes clutch his left knee after being spun down near midfield while trying to throw the ball away. As Andy Reid acknowledged that the injury "did not look good" and the organization began evaluating surgical options, the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers became less about the final score and more about the long road back for their superstar quarterback.