Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is taking a cautious approach to a significant knee injury, opting to seek a second medical opinion before proceeding with surgery.
Injury Details and Immediate Aftermath
The franchise quarterback suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the second half of an NFL game on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The injury occurred at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, when Mahomes was tackled by Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand.
Mahomes, who wears jersey number 15, was forced to leave the game. The incident was captured by Associated Press photographer Reed Hoffmann, whose image shows the moment of the tackle. The Chiefs have not yet announced a timeline for his potential return, a decision that will follow the upcoming medical consultations.
The Path Forward: Consultation Before Procedure
Before scheduling surgical repair for the torn ligament, Mahomes and the Chiefs' medical staff have decided it is prudent to get an additional evaluation from another specialist. This is a common step for high-profile athletes facing major procedures, ensuring all treatment options and surgical techniques are considered.
The team has not disclosed which specialists Mahomes will see for this second opinion. ACL reconstruction surgery typically involves a recovery and rehabilitation period that can sideline a player for nine to twelve months, potentially impacting his availability for a substantial portion of the next NFL season.
Implications for the Chiefs and the NFL
This injury represents a massive blow to the Chiefs' championship aspirations. Mahomes is widely regarded as one of the league's most dynamic and valuable players, a former MVP and Super Bowl champion who is central to Kansas City's offensive identity.
His absence will force the team to turn to its backup quarterbacks for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season. The injury also shifts the competitive landscape of the AFC, removing one of the conference's most formidable players and teams from serious contention. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring updates on his medical evaluations and the subsequent treatment plan.
