Gardner Minshew explains game-ending interception, reflects on Mahomes’ injury
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mahomes exited with left knee injury; MRI scheduled to determine severity.
- Minshew threw interception to Derwin James, sealing Chiefs’ 16-13 loss.
- Chiefs face uncertain finish; Minshew likely to start while Mahomes recovers.
Early in the fourth quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Patrick Mahomes landed awkwardly on a rollout and exited the game with a torn ACL in his left knee.
Kansas City still had slim playoff hopes even after Mahomes left the game, provided backup Gardner Minshew could turn a first-and-20 at the Kansas City 44-yard line into at least three points to extend the game.
It simply wasn’t to be, despite a few solid completions to begin the drive.
Out of the shotgun on second-and-15, Minshew targeted tight end Travis Kelce on a corner route. But Chargers safety Derwin James undercut the throw for the interception.
“They were in man coverage, tried to take a shot to Trav,” Minshew said. “Probably should have kept moving.”
The interception essentially sealed the Chiefs’ fate, with Justin Herbert kneeling out the remaining time.
“That’s a tough deal, but (Minshew’s) a big boy,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “He’s done it (before). He’s played before, so he understands the role.”
Kansas City should know more on Mahomes’ outlook by Monday morning, but the immediate sense is Minshew could be called upon to finish out the rest of the season. Minshew disclosed that it’s been difficult to watch Mahomes behind the scenes, given the end results of the season.
“It’s very frustrating, man,” Minshew said. “It’s been hard to watch for Pat. That dude puts so much into it.
“I don’t think I’ve ever respected anybody I played with more. I’ve never seen anybody I play with give so much of themselves to the team. So to not get the results is hard. But I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back and be better than ever.”
Mahomes finished the game 16 of 28 for 189 yards and an interception. Minshew was 3-of-5 for 22 yards and his interception in relief. “Unfortunately, for me to play, that’s what happens and you’ve got to compartmentalize,” Minshew said. “Obviously, (when I) get back to the locker room, (Mahomes is) the most concerning thing. I just wish the best for him.”
After their latest loss, the Chiefs’ post-game locker room was as subdued as it’s been over the losing streak in its entirety. This time, though, there was added concern about the face of the club, including the quarterback in waiting.
Minshew last made a start as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders in late November of last season.
This story was originally published December 14, 2025 at 5:58 PM.
