Chiefs Face Crucial Reset After Mahomes Injury and Playoff Elimination
The Kansas City Chiefs are officially out of the playoff picture-and now, the focus shifts from postseason dreams to long-term planning. Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Chargers didn’t just seal their fate for this season-it also delivered a gut punch in the form of a serious injury to Patrick Mahomes. The star quarterback suffered a torn ACL and LCL, an injury that could keep him sidelined into the early part of the 2026 season.
That’s a seismic development for a franchise that’s built its identity-and its hopes-around No. 15.
And while Mahomes has pulled off plenty of comebacks in the past, this one’s going to take time. Recovery from this kind of injury typically spans about nine months, which means the Chiefs are now staring at an offseason full of questions, the biggest of which is: What’s the plan at quarterback?
Quarterback Depth Suddenly Becomes a Priority
According to league insiders, Kansas City is expected to explore options behind Mahomes, and that could include selecting a developmental quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. That wouldn’t be a panic move-it would be a calculated insurance policy. With Mahomes rehabbing and potentially missing the start of next season, the team will likely lean on a mix of a veteran backup and a younger prospect to get through OTAs and training camp.
It’s a smart play, but not without risk. Drafting a quarterback means diverting resources away from other pressing needs-and there are plenty.
Even with Mahomes under center for most of the year, the Chiefs stumbled to a 6-8 record. That’s not just about one player; it’s a reflection of a roster that needs reinforcements across the board.
Roster Holes Loom Large
Look at the tape, and it’s clear: this team has issues that go beyond the quarterback position. The offensive line hasn’t consistently held up.
The run game hasn’t been a reliable threat. The defense, while opportunistic at times, has lacked the kind of depth and playmaking needed to carry games when the offense sputters.
Tight end, defensive back, running back, defensive line-pick a spot, and you’ll find a need. That’s the reality for a team that’s been riding the Mahomes wave for years.
When he’s healthy and at his best, he can mask a lot of flaws. But when he’s out-or even less than 100%-those flaws get exposed in a hurry.
The Mahomes Era Hits a New Chapter
Let’s be clear: the Chiefs aren’t moving on from Mahomes. He’s still the face of the franchise and one of the most gifted quarterbacks the game has ever seen. But he’ll turn 31 next season, and this injury is a reminder that even the great ones aren’t invincible.
Kansas City has to think long-term. That means building a roster that can support Mahomes when he's on the field-and survive when he’s not.
It means balancing the urgency to win now with the foresight to prepare for what’s next. And yes, it may mean using a draft pick on a quarterback who won’t start right away but could be critical down the line.
This offseason won’t be about splashy moves or headline-grabbing trades. It’s going to be about recalibration.
The Chiefs are still Mahomes’ team, but the margin for error is thinner than ever. How they handle the next few months will shape the next few years.