Travis Kelce Discusses Impact of Patrick Mahomes' Season-Ending Injury Amid Chiefs' Playoff Elimination
On December 14, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs lost 16-13 to the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. During the game, Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL, ending his season prematurely. Mahomes underwent surgery the following Monday and is expected to miss the final three games of the season, with a recovery timeline targeting a return at the start of next season.
Travis Kelce spoke about Mahomes' injury on his New Heights podcast, describing the event as shocking and painful. He emphasized Mahomes' role as the team's leader and the face of the franchise. With Mahomes sidelined, Gardner Minshew took over as the starting quarterback. Minshew threw a game-sealing interception in the Chiefs' loss. Kelce recorded seven receptions for 70 yards during the game.
The defeat officially eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention, marking their first missed postseason since 2014. Kelce noted that he is currently the only player on the team who has played regular-season games without playoff implications. This season, Kelce has accumulated 67 receptions for 797 yards and five touchdowns over 14 games.
The Chiefs are set to face the Tennessee Titans, who hold a 2-12 record, in their next game on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
