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Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Plan Revealed After Justin Fields Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 1:04 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes' 2025 season was cut short after tearing his ACL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Kansas City Chiefs finished the year going 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

In the three games without Mahomes, the Chiefs went 0-3, with Chris Oladokun (0-2) and Gardner Minshew II (0-1) each getting time as the starter. That led Kansas City to seek an upgrade to sit behind Mahomes, trading for New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields.

He had his ups and downs last season for the Jets, throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, one interception and an 89.5 passer rating. The former Ohio State Buckeye also rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Kansas City's urgency to seek an insurance policy created some speculation on how early Mahomes can return. If he's not ready to open the season, Fields would be the clear favorite to fill that role.

However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler clarified that even after acquiring Fields, the Chiefs are still planning for Mahomes to return by Week 1.

“Their plan is for Mahomes to be back Week 1, and they know that Mahomes, because the way he rehabs, he’s gonna be rigorous, he’s gonna put himself in a position to do so,” Fowler said. “But it’s still an ACL, it’s still a pretty severe knee injury…But Fields gives them an option… Andy Reid can have fun with Justin Fields, who is a great runner. You know, he struggled as a pure pocket passer, but Andy Reid is one of the best; he can scheme around that.”

“Their plan is for Mahomes to be back Week 1. … But Fields gives them an option.” @JFowlerESPN discusses Mahomes’ recovery timeline, following KC’s trade for Justin Fields.

(via Yahoo Sports Daily) pic.twitter.com/IeyeW0hlya
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 17, 2026

The Chiefs will look to reduce any risk with Mahomes' return, meaning if he is not 100% healthy, he may need to miss time to start the year. While a Week 1 return is ideal and what Kansas City continues to plan for, Fields provides an experienced option to lean on.

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

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