KC Chiefs TE Jody Fortson shares details on knee injury, Patrick Mahomes reacts to news

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, but with late in a one-score game, the home team opted for an onside kick attempt that hurt one of the visiting tight ends. Jodi Fortson was affected by what happened originally described by head coach Andy Reid as a knee injury, although the team wasn’t sure how serious it was.

Part of that uncertainty was lifted this week when Kansas City included Fortson on the injured list. While it didn’t appear to end his 2024-25 season, it did knock him out for at least the next four games. Now Fortson himself has provided additional clarity.

According to a story published in his official Instagram account Fortson suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in a game against the Raiders on Wednesday. Either way, it puts an end to his season and sends the 28-year-old pass catcher back on the road to recovery.

Note: Minor components of Fortson’s story have been edited for clarity.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support I’ve received over the past few days…” Fortson began. “If you didn’t already know, I tore my ACL and meniscus in the last 40 seconds of last Sunday’s game. All I can say is that I know exactly what it’s like to fight and scratch your way from the bottom, so this place is all too familiar, is that this will NOT be my final resting place. Get started now! If you’re rocking, keep rocking!

Speaking to the media this week, defensive end Patrick Mahomes shared his thoughts on Fortson’s yet another injury and why it’s unfortunate for both him and the team.

“It’s extremely difficult because you know how hard he’s worked to recover from the injuries he’s had in the past,” Mahomes said. “Such a good dude. He will do anything to be on that football field. He’s one of those guys where (if) you say, “Go block the middle linebacker,” he’ll go block the middle linebacker. I will do my best to help your team win. You feel terrible after you hear the news, but you know how much it means and it means a lot to us that it’s terrible news, but at the same time I know this man, I know he’s going to fight back and will give himself another opportunity to return to the football field.”

This latest illness marks the latest injury in Fortson’s long list since entering the league several years ago. After tearing his Achilles tendon in 2021, he dealt with a minor quad strain and a more serious elbow injury the following campaign. After not playing a game at all last season, Fortson left Kansas City for the Miami Dolphins during the offseason, but returned to the training squad back in September. Including Sunday, he has appeared in three games and played 40 snaps for the Chiefs this season.

With some serious work to do in terms of rehab, Fortson will now focus on returning to the field in 2025 as Kansas City chases its current three-place championship.

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