Kansas City Chiefs fans are searching for answers, but it's clear after hearing head coach Andy Reid speak to the media in the aftermath of a truly dark day for the franchise that those on the inside are flying blind as well.
The truth is that no one knows how things are going to turn out for Patrick Mahomes or the Chiefs' organization in the days and weeks to come after taking in the news that K.C.'s star quarterback had suffered a torn ACL in Week 15.
The Chiefs hosted the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and were not only knocked out of contention with three games to play, but the franchise suffered a greater loss when Mahomes went down with a serious knee injury. After being helped off the field, Reid initially stated that things "didn't look good." Further reports confirmed the torn ACL.
The next day offered little in the way of clarity, as Mahomes is still trying to figure out his best approach to surgery. Reid confirmed in his comments to reporters on Monday that Mahomes is seeking a second opinion in Dallas. "We’ll just see. We’ll give you updates as we go from there," added Reid.
Andy Reid offered confidence in Patrick Mahomes’ mindset, but little clarity on what comes next for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Reid's only point of certainty was related to Mahomes' attitude and effort in rehabbing the injury. Reid said he'd "had a good visit with him a couple of different times" and came away impressed with his QB's mindset.
"He’s in a good place. He always feels like he let people down and then he comes back and he’s ready for the challenge ahead, which is what’s real right now. He’s just gotta get through surgery, wherever that might be, and then move on from there."
Reid also added that Mahomes' injury is not a new thing, that there are examples of quarterbacks who have walked the same path and came through successfully on the other side.
"He’ll attack it, just like he does anything else," said Reid. "There have been some pretty good quarterbacks who have had this same injury and have done pretty well after they came back, so he’ll get after it. He’s got good people here to rehab him. Again, he’ll be right on top of all of that."
For now, the Chiefs will turn to Gardner Minshew to lead the offense in their final three games of the 2025 season, beginning with the Tennessee Titans in Week 16. It's possible Minshew is part of a bridge effort at quarterback until Mahomes is ready once again. But those are questions for the days ahead, because Reid admits there are simply no answers at the present time. Everyone, both in and out of Arrowhead, are waiting and hoping in a liminal space.