The Chiefs have missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade

PATRICK Mahomes suffered a brutal leg injury late in the Kansas City Chiefs’ defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers.

 

 

 

The Chiefs‘ Week 15 loss means Andy Reid‘s squad is stunningly out of the playoffs.

 

Patrick Mahomes attempting a throw while being tackled by a Chargers player.Patrick Mahomes injured his right knee after being tackled by Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Da’Shawn Hand

 

A Kansas City Chiefs player on the ground, holding his leg in pain, with the score showing Chargers 16, Chiefs 13, and a flag on the play in the 4th quarter with 1:53 left.The Chiefs’ star quarterback holding his left knee after being tackled late in the Chiefs’ loss

 

 

 

Mahomes injured his left knee late in the fourth quarter of the game vs. the Chargers.

The injury took place as Mahomes was tackled from behind by Chargers defensive end Da’Shawn Hand.

The cameras captured Mahomes instantly reaching for his left knee and staying down on the sideline as he received treatment from Kansas City’s medical team.

 

 

 

The two-time MVP was taken to the blue medical tent for more treatment.

He was then seen needing assistance getting to the Chiefs’ locker room.

Mahomes was replaced by veteran Gardner Minshew.

 

 

 

The 29-year-old backup completed three of five passes for 22 yards but threw an interception to Derwin James with just 14 seconds left in the game.

The interception sealed a 16-13 loss for Kansas City.

And it eliminated the team from the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

 

 

 

Mahomes finished the game with 16 completions and 189 yards.

If he misses time because of the injury, Minshew will likely start the rest of the way.

Minshew has a career record of 17-29 in 46 career starts.

 

 

 

He has completed 63.3 percent of his career passes for 68 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.

Minshew was part of the Chiefs’ AFC champion campaign in 2024.