Chiefs’ Season Ends as Mahomes Exits with Knee Injury, Minshew’s Scramble Fails, Ending 10‑Year Playoff Streak

The Kansas City Chiefs’ season concluded abruptly when Patrick Mahomes left the game with a knee injury, ending the franchise’s decade‑long playoff streak.

Game Overview

The Chiefs entered the fourth quarter trailing 16‑13 against the Los Angeles Chargers with just under two minutes remaining. Mahomes attempted to scramble toward the sideline, but the play was cut short when Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand spun him to the ground.

Mahomes’ Injury

Mahomes was visibly in pain as he remained down on the field. Medical staff tended to him before he was helped off the field, placing some weight on his leg. He was then moved to the blue medical tent and subsequently to the locker room.

Medical Response

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid commented on the injury, saying it “didn’t look good.” The team confirmed that Mahomes will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the knee issue.

Andy Reid’s Comment

Reid’s assessment came shortly after the injury, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He noted that the injury could impact the Chiefs’ playoff prospects.

Minshew Steps In

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew entered the game with less than two minutes left. The Chiefs still needed a field goal to tie the score and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Field Goal Attempt

Minshew managed to get the Chiefs into field‑goal range with a series of short completions. The drive was poised to set up a potential tying kick.

Interception

However, on a second‑down play at the Chargers’ 39‑yard line with 14 seconds remaining, Minshew was intercepted by Derwin James. The turnover ended the Chiefs’ comeback attempt.

Minshew’s Statement

After the game, Minshew told reporters, “I hate the situation. I hate that I couldn’t deliver the win and keep our hopes alive.”

Final Score

The final score was 19‑16 in favor of the Chargers. The loss dropped the Chiefs to a 6‑8 record for the season.

Season Record

With the loss, the Chiefs’ record fell to 6‑8, leaving them well outside playoff contention.

Playoff Consequences

The defeat, coupled with wins by Jacksonville, Buffalo, and Houston, eliminated the defending AFC champions from postseason contention.

Historical Context

The result officially snapped the Chiefs’ 10‑season streak of reaching the playoffs. That streak was the second longest in league history, behind only the New England Patriots from 2009 to 2019.

Mahomes’ Draft

Patrick Mahomes was drafted by the Chiefs in 2017. He has become a two‑time MVP and a three‑time Super Bowl champion.

Career Impact

Mahomes will miss the playoffs for the first time in his career. The injury marks a significant moment for the franchise and the player.

Key Takeaways

• Mahomes exited with a knee injury, halting the Chiefs’ playoff streak.
• Minshew’s late‑game effort ended with an interception, sealing the loss.
• The Chiefs’ 6‑8 record and concurrent wins by other teams removed them from playoff contention.

Closing

The Chiefs’ season will be remembered for the abrupt end to their playoff run and the unexpected injury to their star quarterback. The franchise now faces a rebuilding period as they assess their roster and prepare for the next season.