Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes left Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers early after he suffered a knee injury. The Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention.

Mahomes was injured as he was chased from behind and got tangled up with Chargers lineman Da’Shawn Hand. Mahomes immediately grabbed his knee after it buckled and eventually needed help from two Chiefs staffers to walk to the locker room. The Chiefs have three games remaining in the season.

The outlet reported that the extra layer can “complicate recovery,” although it “doesn’t necessarily” change the nine-month timetable for his return. Mahomes, 30, underwent surgery Monday for the left ACL tear, the team announced, although the franchise did not mention an LCL injury.

The two-time MVP will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury. Here's the latest on his status and timeline to return.

The daughter of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany shows off her balancing skills. Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes received heartfelt encouragement during his ACL recovery from a 14 year old Kansas teen battling Pompe disease. After meeting through Make A Wish, the teen shared words of resilience drawn from his own rehabilitation journey.