ESPN faced backlash from NFL fans for repeatedly airing replays of Khalil Mack’s severe injury during Monday’s game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. Mack, a linebacker for the Chargers, was immediately escorted to the locker room after colliding with teammate Troy Dye while both were attempting to tackle Raiders’ running back Ashton Jeanty.

Earlier in the day, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ right tackle Luke Goedeke was injured in a narrow 20-19 victory over the Houston Texans – with the double-header meaning ESPN didn’t air Baker Mayfield’s postgame interview. Several prominent quarterbacks have already been sidelined due to injuries in the 2025 NFL season, but Mack is the latest star to face a setback.

Initially, Mack was listed as questionable to return due to an elbow injury, but his status was later downgraded to out. This incident followed the NFL’s decision to remove a video featuring its quarterback, Justin Herbert, prior to the game.

The Chargers were leading the Raiders 10-3 in the second quarter when the collision between Mack and Dye occurred as Jeanty was reaching maximum speed. Mack’s arms were extended when Dye made contact, causing his left arm to seemingly bend unnaturally.

Mack was visibly in pain and was briefly examined before being taken to the locker room. Despite the potential severity of the injury, multiple replay angles were broadcast.

As the footage was aired, commentators Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick cringed in response. The injury replays have since spread like wildfire on social media, with some fans expressing their displeasure at the frequency of ESPN’s broadcast. “Welp, I did not need to see that replay of Mack’s arm, let alone multiple times,” one fan posted on X. “Please replay Khalil Mack breaking his forearm again ESPN! We definitely want that replayed over and over again,” another added sarcastically.

“Oh man, I wish they didn’t replay that Khalil Mack elbow … damn man,” another commented. “That’s an ugly looking injury to Mack, his arm/elbow looked like it folded on replay, worst part of this game and in all sports are injuries,” a fan noted.

“Mack is most likely done. Do not look at the replay,” another advised.

Mack, an NFL veteran, began his career with the Raiders before the team relocated from Oakland to Las Vegas. He was the fifth overall pick from Buffalo in 2014 and earned the title of NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

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After four seasons with the Raiders, Mack sought a lucrative extension, leading to a preseason holdout and subsequent trade to the Chicago Bears. Oakland traded Mack along with two draft picks, receiving four picks in return, including a 2019 first-rounder used on running back Josh Jacobs.

Mack received his payment shortly after his trade, signing a six-year contract valued at $141 million, with a guaranteed $90 million. After four seasons, Mack was traded from Chicago to the Chargers, ending his final year with a season-ending foot surgery.

His move to Los Angeles led to a reunion with Brandon Staley, the former linebacker coach for the Bears. Staley currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints.