Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs Facing QB Decision Amid Patrick Mahomes Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 9:42 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs closed out a disappointing 2025 season with a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, their sixth straight defeat to end the year. The result sealed a frustrating campaign that saw Kansas City miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, bringing an abrupt halt to a decade of sustained contention. While the losses and missed postseason loom large, the organization’s biggest concern now centers on Patrick Mahomes’ health and how it will shape the team’s quarterback plans moving forward.

Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL during a midseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, an injury that required surgery and immediately ended his season. The projected recovery timeline is at least nine months, placing his availability for the start of the 2026 season in doubt. While there is optimism Mahomes could return early next year, the Chiefs cannot assume he will be fully cleared or physically ready by Week 1, forcing the front office to prepare contingency plans.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

That uncertainty places added importance on Kansas City’s quarterback depth. Both Gardner Minshew and Shane Buechele are set to become unrestricted free agents, leaving the Chiefs without a backup under contract.

Minshew, who served as Mahomes’ primary reserve in 2025, played on a one-year deal worth approximately $1.1 million before landing on injured reserve late in the season with a tibial plateau fracture. Despite the injury, his experience as a spot starter could make him a valuable short-term option if Mahomes’ recovery lingers.

Buechele, meanwhile, was re-added late in the season after spending time on the practice squad. He played on a one-year contract valued at roughly $1.03 million and offers familiarity with the system, though he lacks extended regular-season experience.

The #Chiefs have signed QB Shane Buechele to the active roster from the #Bills practice squad and placed QB Gardner Minshew on IR. https://t.co/xdbozhyMFn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2025

The Chiefs must now decide whether to retain one or both quarterbacks, pursue an outside veteran, or explore other options at the position.

Ultimately, the most significant decision will be whether Mahomes is cleared to start Week 1 next season. Until that question is answered, Kansas City’s offseason quarterback strategy remains fluid, and potentially pivotal, as the franchise looks to rebound from its most challenging seasons of the Mahomes era.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: