Kansas City Chiefs superstar QB Patrick Mahomes successfully undergoes ACL surgery

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a season-ending injury to his left knee Sunday, successfully underwent surgery in Dallas Monday and has begun rehab.

Mahomes, a Texas Tech alum and native of Tyler, Texas, had his torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) operated on by Dr. Dan Cooper, the Chiefs said in a statement. 

In addition to the ACL, Mahomes also tore the lateral collateral ligament, which was also operated on, an unnamed NFL source told ESPN.

Dr. Cooper, who is also the head physician for the Dallas Cowboys, previously performed ACL surgery for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and then-Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, now a backup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the Dallas Business Journal. 

Mahomes, a two-time league MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, went down late in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ home game against visiting AFC West division rivals the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Near the two-minute warning, the Chiefs had a first down at the Chargers’ 46-yard line. After throwing the ball away, Mahomes was tackled by Chargers defensive end Da’Shawn Hand, resulting in the injury.

Backup Gardner Minshew came into the game in relief for the Chiefs, who were trailing the Chargers 16-13. Minshew ultimately threw the game-losing interception.

After the loss, Mahomes posted on X, “Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. 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.”

With the loss, the 6-8 Chiefs were eliminated from the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2014. Heading into Week 16, the 10-4 Chargers are the fifth seed in the AFC as a wild card; the AFC West is led by the Denver Broncos, who also lead the entire AFC with a 12-2 record.