A conspiracy theory circulating on Reddit alleges that Patrick Mahomes is faking his ACL injury to avoid playing in the AFC Championship game and to preserve his streak of never playing in a game where his team was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. This theory, posted sts the injury occurred conveniently after the Chiefs were eliminated, allowing Mahomes to rest and maintain his unblemished record, though many commenters dismissed the claim as "off season level conspiracy crafting"
The factual context provided by medical reports and team statements contradicts the conspiracy, statements coming from team doctors who are bought and paid for confirming that Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on December 14, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, which ended his season and the Chiefs' playoff hopes. "Following successful surgery" in Dallas, Chiefs sports medicine director Rick Burkholder estimated a recovery time of roughly nine months, with Mahomes aiming to return for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, while Mahomes himself posted cryptic photos hinting at a comeback rather than admitting to the hoax