Tyreek Hill has shared a cryptic message on social media after Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was forced off with an ACL injury.
Mahomes left the field with less than two minutes remaining in the Chiefs' 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The defeat means Kansas City have been eliminated from playoff contention with three games of the regular season still to play.
It marks the end of an era for the Chiefs, who have reached the Super Bowl in each of the past three years, winning in 2023 and 2024.
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Mahomes has played a starring role since becoming the team's starting quarterback in 2018, leading them to seven consecutive AFC Championship Games - a run only Tom Brady has bettered.
The ACL tear is the first serious injury of the two-time MVP's career and will rule him out for the remainder of the season.
It is also possible he misses the start of next year's campaign which begins on September 10, 2026.
Following Mahomes' injury, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Hill took to social media, posting a sad-face emoji on X.
Hill is currently sidelined himself after tearing his ACL on September 29 against the New York Jets.
Despite that setback, the 31-year-old has remained optimistic during his recovery.
Speaking on The Set podcast, Hill explained why he smiled as he was carted off against the Jets.
He said: "I feel like that decision is based upon how I feel and where my mindset is at the moment.
"Right now, I’m happy.
"I’m happy with being with my kid, I’m happy with the career that I’ve had.
"I love playing football. I love it, man, but it takes a lot... It takes a lot to be the best, and stay at the top and make a lot of money, help your team win games and stuff like that.
"It takes a lot man. It takes a lot on you mentally, it takes a lot on you physically. I’m at the point now where I need to have a conversation with mom, family, everybody."
Mahomes may take encouragement from the mindset Hill has adopted during his recovery process.
ACL injuries typically take between six months and a year to recover from, but the timeline can be longer for professional athletes.
Stefon Diggs returned for the Houston Texans after just shy of nine months following a similar injury, but given Mahomes' importance to the Chiefs, they are likely to take a more cautious approach.
In a statement, the Chiefs confirmed that both the quarterback and the club are currently exploring surgical options.
Topics: NFL, Patrick Mahomes, Injury, American Football
James Taylor