Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is facing the longest injury recovery of his career thus far.
The three-time Super Bowl champion suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, which also essentially ended the Chiefs' playoff chances. Now, Mahomes and the Chiefs look towards 2026, as the the team will need to prepare for the possibility that the quarterback isn't ready by Week 1.
In the Mahomes era, the Chiefs' backup quarterbacks have played in very few NFL games compared to other backups. Next year, Kansas City will need to make sure it acquires a backup who can hold down the fort until Mahomes returns.
Here's a breakdown of when Mahomes could be back and which quarterbacks make sense as bridge options.
MORE: What is the torn ACL recovery time in the NFL?
Will Patrick Mahomes be ready for 2026?
Patrick Mahomes had surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL on December 15, meaning he will face a long rehab before returning. The Chiefs quarterback' status for the start of the 2026 season is in question, as it will depend on his rehab process.
While Mahomes should be able to return to the field at some point next year, it's too early to tell exactly when. Mahomes will spend the entire offseason recovering from his injury, and Kansas City will have a better idea of how the rehab is progressing next Summer.
MORE: Ranking the Chiefs' 2026 draft targets
Patrick Mahomes ACL recovery timeline
Typically, an ACL recovery lasts between six and 12 months, as each rehab process can be different. Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, said the team is using nine months as the barometer, but it could give or take a few months.
Rick Burkholder, Chiefs Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, said the ballpark timeline for the Patrick Mahomes type of injury is 9 months, but it could be a month or two less or a month or two longer.
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) December 17, 2025
Mahomes also tore his LCL in the process, but while that makes the rehab process more arduous, it doesn't impact the timeline.
More context: Patrick Mahomes also tore his LCL, along with his ACL, sources say. While that can complicate recovery, it doesn’t necessary extend his rehab longer than 9 months or so. Https://t.co/aap0zeHK5d
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2025
At the very least, Mahomes could miss the start of the 2026 season, with there being a chance that the quarterback doesn't return until the middle of the year. Therefore, Kansas City will need to make sure it has a trustworthy backup.
MORE: Why the Chiefs are abandoning Arrowhead Stadium to move across state lines
Chiefs top QB options for 2026
Gardner Minshew
Gardner Minshew spent the 2025 season as Mahomes' backup, but he suffered a knee injury in Week 16 that will likely keep him out the rest of the season. However, Minshew avoided a serious injury, which means he should be an option for Kansas City next year as well. Minshew has started 47 games in his NFL career and produced two seasons of at least six wins.
Marcus Mariota
After a solid season filling in for Jayden Daniels with the Washington Commanders, Marcus Mariota will enter the offseason as potentially the top free agent quarterback. The former starter has found a solid role as a backup for several teams in recent years, and if he can't find a job as an unquestioned starter, present one of the top options for the Chiefs.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo has spent the past two seasons as Matthew Stafford's backup for the Los Angeles Rams, but the veteran quarterback will be a free agent this offseason. Garoppolo would provide Kansas City with an experienced option, albeit one that has only played three games in the past two seasons.
Mitchell Trubisky
Over the past several years, Mitchell Trubisky has been Josh Allen's backup for the Buffalo Bills, as he has started just seven games since leaving the Chicago Bears after teh 2020 season. However, Trubisky used to play for Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in Chicago, giving him a connection to the team and the offensive system.
Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco seemed to have found a niche as a veteran backup who is able to step into the starter's role at a moment's notice. Flacco showed this year, when he was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Cincinnati Bengals, that he will lean on his best receivers and at least give his offense the opportunity to stay afloat.
Russell Wilson
Another former Super Bowl champion, Russell Wilson's star has fallen in the past few years, making it unlikely he finds as a starting quarterback next year. Wilson, like Flacco, has over a decade of experience and is someone who the Chiefs have seen frequently since the quarterback left the Seattle Seahawks.
MORE: Updates on injury status of Gardner Minshew