‘Doesn’t look good’: Patrick Mahomes’ torn ACL has Chiefs counting the days to week 1 2026

Patrick Mahomes’ season is over, and Kansas City’s worst-case fear is now official. An MRI confirmed the Chiefs quarterback tore the ACL in his left knee late in the 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec.

14. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the diagnosis Sunday night, and the team said it is exploring surgical options.Andy Reid said Mahomes would get an MRI after the game and added “it doesn’t look good.” It didn’t. Gardner Minshew finished the game after Mahomes went down, and Kansas City’s loss also eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention for the first time in more than a decade.

Dr. Jesse Morse floated week 1 2026 before the MRI, and now the clock is real

Dr. Jesse Morse, who breaks down NFL injuries on social media, focused on the way Mahomes’ knee moved on the play and what that usually puts at risk.

Here’s part of what Morse posted during his video review: “Left knee sprain. Hyperextended, often PCL is stressed. Initial forces to lateral knee (LCL + posterolateral corner) but outside chance the ACL is impacted.”

After Reid’s postgame comments, Morse posted a second thought that’s going to get replayed nonstop now that the MRI is in: “Let’s hope he didn’t tear his ACL, but if he did, there’s a good chance he would be ready for Week 1 of 2026.”

That timeline fits the broad medical reality of ACL rehab. Cleveland Clinic notes recovery from a torn ACL typically takes six to nine months, and competitive athletes can need longer before they’re cleared. Mayo Clinic also outlines that care often starts with rehab, and surgery can be part of the plan depending on the injury and goals.

Why Kansas City can shut Patrick Mahomes down and still have a clear 2026 plan

The Chiefs do not have to play tough with this. They can play smart. Mahomes got hurt late in the fourth quarter after he took contact from behind and his knee buckled on the step.

He grabbed at the knee immediately and needed help getting off the field. The Chargers’ win pushed Kansas City to 6-8 and ended any remaining postseason path.That’s why the next three games matter less than one date on the calendar, Week 1 of 2026. Kansas City can now build the rest of its season around protection, not urgency. If Mahomes has surgery, the focus shifts to clean rehab checkpoints, strength symmetry, and avoiding setbacks.

If the rehab goes smoothly, the Week 1 conversation stays alive. If it doesn’t, the Chiefs have the breathing room to be conservative without sacrificing anything real in 2025, because the season is already done in the standings.One more detail that matters here. Mahomes dealt with knee soreness earlier in the week but entered Sunday without an injury designation, which makes the timing feel even cruel. He still tried to drag Kansas City through it, until the knee made the decision for everyone.Kansas City’s next move is simple. Protect the franchise quarterback. Get the surgery plan right. Then let the rehab timeline, not the hype cycle, decide when Mahomes is truly back.