Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

Chiefs Make QB Decision Amid Patrick Mahomes Injury Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 8:00 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had a substantial update about Patrick Mahomes on Monday. Speaking to reporters during the Chiefs’ end-of-season press conference, Reid said that Mahomes is “doing great” in rehabbing his surgically repaired knee.

The two-time NFL MVP had to go under the knife after tearing the ACL and LCL in his left knee during Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes has since approached his rehab aggressively. According to Coach Reid, the Chiefs star has been “in there grinding.”

While there is no firm timetable for Mahomes’ return to action, it appears that he is trending in the right direction in terms of potentially being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.

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

The season officially ended for the Chiefs on Sunday. With Mahomes sidelined, Kansas City suffered a disappointing 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, marking its sixth straight loss to close out the campaign.

On Monday, the Chiefs reportedly made a handful of roster moves less than 24 hours after their season finale loss. According to reporter Nick Jacobs of KSHB 41 News, the Chiefs have waived quarterback Shane Buechele.

Buechele signed with the Chiefs on Dec. 22, less than a week after Mahomes’ season-ending injury. The signing also came after backup QB Gardner Minshew tore his ACL. Buechele made one appearance for the Chiefs, registering 7-of-14 completed passes for 88 yards against the Raiders on Sunday. Buechele, however, was also sacked five times.

Buechele will now become an unrestricted free agent. He will be free to re-sign with the Buffalo Bills, which is where he’s spent the majority of the season as part of the practice squad. The Bills are in action on Sunday in a Wild Card Round matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to Jacobs’ report, the Chiefs also signed linebacker Kam Arnold, defensive tackle Marcus Harris, wide receiver Jimmy Holiday and offensive tackle Matt Waletzko to reserve/future contracts. The team has also decided to terminate the contract of defensive back Tanner McCalister.

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

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