The Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and were also handed a big question for the coming season — who will start at quarterback?
Patrick Mahomes was hurt in the closing seconds of the 16-13 loss, suffering what was revealed after the game to be a torn ACL. While it’s not yet clear how long he will be out, there is a strong chance the Chiefs will have another quarterback under center when they kick off the 2026 season.
If that’s the case, the Chiefs could turn to a 41-year-old with a knack for plugging holes at quarterback.
Chiefs Will Need to Weigh Quarterback Options
The Chiefs are expected to turn to journeyman quarterback Gardner Minshew to start in place of Mahomes for the final three games of the season, but his contract is up at the end of the season and it is not clear if the team plans to bring him back. While Minshew has plenty of experience as a starter in the NFL, his results have been mixed.
The Chiefs could treat the rest of the season as a try-out of sorts for Minshew, but could also try to get third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun a chance to get his first NFL reps.
If Minshew isn’t seen as an option to re-sign, the Chiefs could turn to Joe Flacco, who started the season with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals and starting six games in relief of Joe Burrow. Flacco completed 60.2% of his passes this season for 2,451 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
He could represent the best option for the Chiefs, who would need a steady quarterback who can start until Mahomes is ready to return to the field. Recovery from a torn ACL can take up to 12 months, which would keep Mahomes out for the majority of the season, but many players have returned in nine months or less.
Even in the best-case scenario, Mahomes could miss several games to start the 2026 season.
Patrick Mahomes Vows to Return
While he was not able to speak to reporters after Sunday’s loss, Mahomes did take to social media to offer an optimistic message for the future. The two-time league MVP vowed to return
“Donât know why this had to happen. And not going to lie itâs hurts,” Mahomes shared in a post on X. “But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever”
Many of Mahomes’ teammates appeared emotional after the game, including tight end Travis Kelce who refused to talk to reporters as he exited the locker room. Defensive tackle Chris Jones said he shared a supportive message with Mahomes.
âI just hugged him, man. Thatâs my brother,” Jones said, via KSHB. “Weâve done been through so much. … (and) we love Pat. Thatâs my guy. Thatâs Pat Mahomes.â
The team is expected to release more information on Mahomes’ injury later this week.
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