Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Suffers Torn ACL
TODAY: The Chiefs announced that Mahomes underwent successful surgery in Dallas this evening, with the team adding that the quarterback will begin his rehab process immediately.
Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Mahomes also tore his LCL yesterday. While that could potentially complicate his recovery, Rapoport says it won’t necessarily extend Mahomes’ nine-month timeline.
DECEMBER 14: It looked bad when it occurred, but definitive news wasn’t expected quite this soon. The Chiefs have officially announced that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. His season has come to an end as the team explores surgical options. 
This is unprecedented territory the 30-year-old quarterback. Mahomes has damn near been an ironman since entering the NFL. He has only ever missed two games with injury. After only appearing in one game of his rookie season behind starter Alex Smith, Mahomes’ next absences occurred over a two-week stretch in 2019, when he dislocated his patella. After that, the only games Mahomes missed were the final regular season contests in 2020, 2023, and 2024 as he rested for the playoffs in each campaign.
The injury occurred today as Mahomes was rolling out right for a pass and, after releasing it, was tripped up by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. The two-time MVP immediately grabbed at his knee and did not return to the game. After the loss, head coach Andy Reid told reporters what he knew, that Mahomes had “injured his left knee and will get an MRI either tonight or tomorrow morning,” per ESPN’s Jeff Darlington. Asked about the degree of severity, Reid told the media, “I don’t know. It didn’t look good.”
About 90 minutes later, Mahomes himself took to X with a message. He told fans that he didn’t “know why this had to happen” and that “it hurts.” He ended his message with an ominous promise, saying, “I will be back stronger than ever,” insinuating that an absence was to come. About half an hour later, the team account delivered the results of the MRI that did, in fact, take place tonight.
Following Mahomes’ early exit, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew entered only his third game this season and did so, for the first time, not in garbage time. In fact, Kansas City was trailing when Mahomes exited, and Minshew failed to bring the team back. The Chiefs would go on to lose their third game in a row, and adding insult to injury, the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention, as a result. This is the first time Kansas City will not participate in the postseason since 2014, three years before Mahomes was drafted.
With nothing left to play for, Minshew will likely take Kansas City the rest of the way. Practice squad passer Chris Oladokun stands a strong chance at taking Mahomes’ spot on the 53-man roster as Minshew’s backup. Mahomes, though, will continue exploring surgical options with the team as they begin the long road back to what they hope will be a return in 2026.
The Chiefs have been able to count on Mahomes’ durability since his stratospheric 2018 debut, gliding to seven straight AFC championship games since the 2017 first-rounder debuted as the starter. Matt Moore was in place as his backup during the 2019 season — one that ended the franchise’s then-50-year Super Bowl drought. Moore was brought in for the ’19 season due to a Chad Henne injury, but Henne became needed when Mahomes suffered a concussion in the 2020 divisional round. Mahomes then played the 2022 playoffs with a high ankle sprain, needing to leave a divisional-round game for a short period in the first half. The future Hall of Fame QB also suffered an ankle injury late last season but did not miss any time.
Kansas City has toggled through backups since Henne’s February 2023 retirement, moving from Blaine Gabbert to Carson Wentz to Minshew. Dropped after one season as the Raiders’ primary starter, Minshew signed with the Chiefs on a one-year, $1.17MM deal. The Raiders are still footing some of the bill after giving him a two-year, $25MM contract in 2024. Minshew will have a three-game audition, as a potential 2026 raise — from the Chiefs or another team — will be in play.
As for the Chiefs, they were trending toward missing the playoffs with Mahomes. That represents a shocking development based on their finishes with the Missouri icon at the controls. Entering the season seventh in scoring defense, the team did not have issues comparable to the 2024 Bengals or the Saints during their absences amid Drew Brees‘ prime. While the Chiefs held the Chargers to 16 points, a Mahomes INT denied a potential go-ahead fourth-quarter drive. His injury occurred soon after, signaling a voyage into uncharted waters for Kansas City.
Kansas City’s defense did not quite meet its level of recent seasons, though, cutting into a bounce-back Mahomes slate. The ninth-year passer ends his season fifth in QBR, closing the campaign with 22 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions and 3,587 passing yards.
Mahomes’ MRI will help shape his timetable. More damage being discovered potentially would put the PUP list in play to open the 2026 season. The Chiefs will obviously hope for a Week 1 return; their 2026 backup search will be more important regardless of when Mahomes is expected back, however.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten To Undergo Surgery On Injured Finger
Bhayshul Tuten is set to go under the knife, but the surgery isn’t expected to end his rookie season prematurely. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Jaguars running back will undergo surgery to repair a finger injury that he suffered during yesterday’s win over the Jets.
It’s uncertain when the rookie suffered his injury, but he didn’t return to the game after returning a kickoff for 26 yards in the third quarter. While surgery is apparently necessary, it isn’t expected to end Tuten’s season. Per Garafolo, the running back will likely miss a few weeks but should be back in time for the playoffs.
The Jaguars used a fourth-round pick on the Virginia Tech product in this past year’s draft, and it didn’t take long for him to carve out a modest role on Jacksonville’s offense. Travis Etienne‘s bounceback season has prevented the rookie from garnering significant reps, but Tuten has still managed to collect 363 yards and six touchdowns on 88 touches. He’s also tied for the team lead with 19 kick returns, which he’s returned for a team-leading 539 yards.
Tuten was garnering around 20 snaps per game starting around mid-October. However, he was limited to a season-low three offensive snaps in Week 14 after fumbling twice (losing one). That’s opened the door for LeQuint Allen to see a bit more playing time on offense, although the rookie seventh-round pick has been limited to a combined seven touches over the past two weeks.
Still, with Tuten injured and Tank Bigsby having been dealt earlier this season, the Jaguars may have to rely on Allen a bit more down the stretch. The team could also take a look at practice squad RB Ja’Quinden Jackson.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/15/25
Just one practice squad move to pass along:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DL C.J. Brewer
- Released: WR Brandon Johnson
Brandon Johnson has seen time in 23 career games. He had his best showing with the Broncos in 2023, when he hauled in 19 catches for 284 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. He’ll be replaced on Tampa Bay’s practice squad by C.J. Brewer, who’s collected 2.5 sacks with the Buccaneers across the past two seasons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/15/25
Today’s minor moves:
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: WR Jamari Thrash
- Waived: G Garrett Dellinger
Houston Texans
- Placed on IR: DT Mario Edwards Jr. (story)
Miami Dolphins
- Signed from practice squad: LB Quinton Bell
- Elevated: OL Kion Smith
- Waived: OLB Andre Carter II
New England Patriots
- Waived: LB Caleb Murphy
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed from practice squad: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Elevated: OL Jack Driscoll, DE DeMarvin Leal
- Waived: WR Ke’Shawn Williams
Jamari Thrash is already back on Cleveland’s active roster after getting waived the other day. The former fifth-round pick has only seen time in a single game since the beginning of November. Before that, he tallied 10 receptions for 107 yards.
In other receiver news, Marquez Valdes-Scantling made his way to the active roster for tonight’s game against the Dolphins. The veteran got into 16 offensive snaps during his Steelers debut in Week 14. Before that, he hauled in four catches for 40 yards in five appearances for the 49ers.
Jets Place DB Isaiah Oliver On IR
Isaiah Oliver‘s season has come to an end. The Jets placed the defensive back on injured reserve today, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Oliver suffered a knee injury during the second quarter of yesterday’s loss to the Jaguars. While the safety was initially deemed questionable, he didn’t end up returning to the game. Now, his season has effectively ended with his placement on IR.
Oliver joined the Jets ahead of the 2024 campaign and got into about half of his team’s defensive snaps last season, finishing with 57 tackles, a sack, and three passes defended. He’s started only two of his 14 appearances in 2025 while seeing a drop in his defensive reps. Still, he’s been a mainstay on special teams, and his season will end with him having compiled 55 tackles and three passes defended.
The Jets have shuffled Oliver around the defense this season, with the veteran spending time at safety, cornerback, and in the box. With Tony Adams nursing a groin injury, the Jets may need to get creative with their secondary in Week 16. Qwan’tez Stiggers (62), Jordan Clark (45), and Dean Clark (31) all saw season-highs in snaps during yesterday’s loss, and that trio will likely be in line for an expanded role on Sunday.
To help make up for the lost depth, the Jets did add a healthy body today. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports that the team signed defensive back Keidron Smith off the Broncos practice squad. The former UDFA got into nine games for Denver last season, collecting seven tackles while seeing the majority of his playing time on special teams.
Broncos Place S Brandon Jones On IR
Brandon Jones will not be available to the Broncos for the closing stages of the regular season. The veteran safety was placed on injured reserve Monday, per a team announcement.
Jones suffered a chest injury on Sunday, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports a pectoral ailment is believed to have occurred. It remains to be seen if that is indeed the case for Jones. At a minimum, today’s transaction ensures he will miss the next four weeks. That means the Broncos will be shorthanded in the secondary for their final three regular season games.
Since signing with the Broncos in free agency last year, Jones has operated as a full-time starter. The 27-year-old has proven effective in Denver’s post-Justin Simmons setup at the safety spot, notching 193 tackles, four interceptions and 17 pass breakups with his new team. Jones’ absence will be felt down the stretch as Denver looks to win the AFC West and potentially clinch top spot in the conference.
In the meantime, P.J. Locke will return to first-team duties with Jones sidelined. The veteran started a career-high 15 games for Denver last season, but he’s been limited to only 46 defensive snaps in 13 appearances in 2025. The Broncos could also turn to the likes of JL Skinner and/or Devon Key to play opposite Talanoa Hufanga in the secondary. The Broncos are down another safety after the Jets snagged Keidron Smith off Denver’s practice squad today.
The Broncos weren’t done making moves today, as the team announced that they claimed running back Cody Schrader from the Texans. Schrader spent most of this season in Jacksonville but was waived earlier this month. He was subsequently claimed by Houston, who ended up waiving him days later.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Vikings OLB Jonathan Greenard To Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
Jonathan Greenard has been dealing with a left shoulder injury since Week 10. Instead of continuing to play through it, the veteran edge rusher will undergo surgery. 
Greenard’s second season with the Vikings is now over as a result. The 2024 free agent signing missed two games as a result of the ailment, and upon returning to action he has handled only a part-time defensive workload. Sunday night’s game saw Greenard aggravate the injury, leading to today’s news.
“It was something he was playing through,” head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “He knew he would not be able to put this behind him until probably he got it fixed, whenever that was going to be. And just looking at coming out of [Sunday] and aggravating it and just it feels like the best time to do that now.”
Indeed, the Vikings had been officially eliminated from playoff contention by the time their win over the Cowboys took place. As such, there is little reason for Greenard to continue playing with surgery being required at some point. The 28-year-old does not have a recovery timeline in place, but he will of course look to heal in time for the 2026 offseason program this spring.
After playing out his rookie contract with the Texans, Greenard was one of the top pass rushers available on the open market last offseason. The former third-rounder cashed in with a four-year, $76MM Vikings deal, one which brought about immediate production. Greenard posted 12 sacks in 2024, earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way. This season, he managed just three in 12 games while dealing with the injury.
With Greenard sidelined, Dallas Turner will likely take on a larger defensive role for Minnesota’s final three games. The 2024 first-rounder only logged a rotational workload as a rookie, but he has seen a notable uptick in usage in 2025. Turner has 5.5 sacks so far, and he could add to that total over the coming weeks as Greenard turns his attention to recovering.
Bears Designate LB Tremaine Edmunds For Return From IR
The Bears could have a key defensive figure back in the fold in time for Week 16. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has returned to practice, the team announced on Monday. 
Edmunds remains on injured reserve at this point as he recovers from a groin injury. Having missed the minimum four games, though, it is certainly an encouraging sign he has managed to suit up for practice at the first opportunity. Head coach Ben Johnson recently expressed optimism about Edmunds’ chances of playing again this season, and today’s news is a strong sign in that direction.
After playing out his rookie contract and fifth-year option in Buffalo, Edmunds signed with the Bears in free agency. The two-time Pro Bowler has operated as a full-time starter since then, missing only two games prior to the 2025 campaign during that stretch. After a notable absence, Edmunds will look to reprise his role as one of the top producers on a Chicago defense which has navigated numerous injuries to starters all season.
The Bears lead the league in interceptions but they have plenty of room for improvement in other areas. Getting Edmunds back could offer a boost down the stretch. The 27-year-old has posted 89 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass deflections and one interception so far in 2025. The former first-rounder will add to those figures if Chicago is able to activate him in time for Saturday’s critical matchup with the Packers.
Chicago currently has three IR activations remaining for the regular season. Bringing Edmunds back into the fold this week (or sometime later within his practice window) will use up one of those. Provided he does manage to return, however, the 10-4 Bears will welcome back an impact presence late in the campaign as their efforts to clinch top spot in the NFC North continue.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Will Not Return In 2025
With the Commanders out of playoff contention, they will rely on their backup quarterback to close out the season. Jayden Daniels has been shut down, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. 
Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters informed Daniels of the decision this afternoon, The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala adds. Backup Marcus Mariota was also made aware of the situation. He will be tasked with handling QB1 duties for Washington’s final three games.
Of course, Mariota has already made seven starts in 2025. An elbow dislocation left Daniels sidelined for an extended period earlier in the season, and upon returning to action he aggravated it. Last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year has yet to be cleared for Week 16, and Rapoport notes he likely would have been ruled out for that contest anyway. Instead of pushing to return for one or both of the Commanders’ games past that point, Daniels will turn his attention to 2026.
Washington will not move Daniels to injured reserve, Quinn added (via Jhabvala). That decision will allow the 24-year-old to continue practicing (when possible) even though it is known he will not play again in 2025. After a stellar debut campaign, Daniels and the Commanders’ offense – a unit which has dealt with various injuries all year – was unable to meet expectations regarding his follow-up season.
Washington sits at 4-10, meaning the team’s spot in the draft order will be something to monitor over the final three weeks. For a team which reached the NFC title game last season, that marks a major regression. Nevertheless, few observers will be surprised by the decision to shut Daniels down for the final stages of the campaign given the Commanders’ situation.
Mariota played on a one-year deal in 2024. He remained in the nation’s capital on a slightly more lucrative pact for this season, but the 32-year-old is a pending free agent. Today’s news ensures Mariota will have another three chances to audition and in doing so attempt to boost his market value.
Ravens LB Teddye Buchanan Tears ACL
2:05pm: Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that Buchanan has in fact torn his ACL. The team hopes a return in time for training camp next summer will be possible (h/t Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic).
8:59am: The Ravens’ defense recorded a shutout on Sunday. The unit will likely be without another starter for the remainder of the season, however. 
Linebacker Teddye Buchanan was carted off the field yesterday after suffering a knee injury during punt coverage. After the game, head coach John Harbaugh expressed concern a lengthy absence would be in store and it appears that will indeed be the case. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Buchanan is feared to have suffered an ACL tear.
Further testing will take place today to confirm the diagnosis. Presuming that takes place, Baltimore will be without a starter at the second level of the defense. Trenton Simpson began the year in a timeshare with Buchanan for playing time, but the latter quickly took on a full-time role. A fourth-round rookie, Buchanan has totaled 93 tackles in 2025; that figure ranks second on the team behind only Roquan Smith.
Instead of continuing in his role down the stretch and potentially into the postseason, Buchanan’s attention will now turn to a lengthy recovery process. The 23-year-old’s availability for the start of next season will be in question provided an ACL tear winds up being confirmed in his case. Meanwhile, a Ravens front seven which is already without All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike for the remainder of the year will move forward with a different tandem at the linebacker spot.
Smith will be tasked with remaining one of the Ravens’ top producers on defense. It now remains to be seen who will start alongside him at the other LB position, though. Simpson – a third-round pick in 2023 who has totaled 16 starts in his career – is the likeliest candidate. The Clemson product took over as a first-team presence after Buchanan exited, registering nine tackles. Undrafted rookie Jay Higgins resides on IR, so veteran special teamer Jake Hummel rounds out Baltimore’s depth chart at the moment.
Yesterday’s win moved the Ravens to 7-7 on the year. Top spot in the AFC North is still within reach, and winning the division is likely the only path to a postseason berth for Baltimore. If that is to be achieved, Buchanan will not be able to play a role the rest of the way.