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Patrick Mahomes’ devastating knee injury Sunday against the Chargers proved to be more intense than originally believed.
Not only did the star Chiefs quarterback tear his ACL, but he also tore his LCL, according to NFL Network.
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.
“Patrick Mahomes successfully underwent surgery in Dallas this evening with Dr. Dan Cooper to repair the tear in his left ACL,” the Chiefs posted to X.
“Mahomes will begin his rehab process immediately.”
Patrick Mahomes holds his left leg Sunday. APThe report comes after Chiefs coach Andy Reid claimed an MRI exam did not reveal any other significant damage to Mahomes’ ligaments.
While the LCL tear may not have any effect on Mahomes’ rehab process, it adds an extra layer to the season-ending injury he suffered in Week 15.
The Chiefs’ season figuratively concluded when Mahomes suffered the injury while being tackled toward the end of a 16-13 home loss to the Chargers that literally eliminated the back-to-back-to-back AFC champions from playoff contention.
Mahomes reacted in clear pain and had to be helped to the locker room by a pair of men while he had a towel draped over his face.
This injury marks the first major setback Mahomes has dealt with in his career, and he vowed that he will use this to fuel his return.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts,” Mahomes wrote on X.
“But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.”
Though there’s no reason to believe Mahomes can’t return to elite form, this injury and the Chiefs’ down year raise some questions about how the team will retool moving forward.
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Patrick Mahomes being attended to during the Week 14 loss. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThis year marks their first postseason-less campaign since Mahomes took over as the starter in 2018, and snaps a 10-year run.
Travis Kelce and Mahomes may have played in their final game together — with the tight end mulling retirement — and it’s clear an underwhelming offense needs some retooling going forward.
The Chiefs may have to invest in a strong backup quarterback option in case Mahomes endures a setback, since the nine-month window will push him right against the start of the 2026 season.
Gardner Minshew replaced Mahomes on Sunday and threw the game-sealing interception, and he will start the final three games beginning with the Week 16 road tilt vs. the lowly Titans.
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