SANTA CLARA, CA ― Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and perennial MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in a game Dec. 14, meaning he won’t be on the field to face off against Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans when the teams meet Dec. 21.
“I heard it when I got back after the game,” Ward said following the Titans‘ 37-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. “It’s sad because since he got into the league he’s been very productive every year. Not getting an opportunity to go against him, you know, everything happens for a reason. I know God has a plan for him. Prayers his way. And we’ll try to get a win next week versus them.”
The Titans (2-12) host the Chiefs (6-8) at Nissan Stadium (noon CT, CBS).
Ward hasn’t been shy about his admiration for Mahomes. Nor have defenders who’ve faced Mahomes, like safety Amani Hooker and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Hooker was one of the few Titans players who expressed disappointment in not getting to face Mahomes again, saying he has always liked playing against that offense.
Simmons expressed disappointment as well.
“It’s always great when I have a chance to play against him, very competitive,” he said. “I think their playoff hopes are done now since they lost today. I was kind of excited to help keep them out of the playoffs. But it sucks. It sucks to see him go down like that. I heard it was kind of a nasty injury. So prayers to him.”
Titans outside linebacker Arden Key first played against Mahomes when Key was a freshman at LSU, facing Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. He has since faced Mahomes seven times as a pro, never sacking the two-time MVP. Key is 1-6 against Mahomes as a pro, counting a playoff loss when Key was in Jacksonville.
“I’ve been playing Mahomes since college,” Key said. “I’ll take a game off from him.”
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.