Unexpected Patrick Mahomes Update Emerges on Wednesday

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Unexpected Patrick Mahomes Update Emerges on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Sep 1, 2026 4:13 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are less than two weeks from the start of the 2026 NFL regular season, looking to improve upon their disastrous 6-11 season last year. Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury on Dec. 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers in a 16-13 loss in Week 15.

The 6-foot-2 quarterback was operated on the very next day by Dr. Dan Cooper, who is actually the Dallas Cowboys’ personal physician. Head coach Andy Reid also has a lot to prove this season, with the record of making the AFC Championship Game every year since the Texas native’s first year starting being snapped. The duo had gone 5-2 in the games, winning three Super Bowls.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15). Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The streak is not the only loss that Mahomes suffered this offseason, as now ESPN has decided to also drop the quarterback from their annual 2026 NFL Rank, where they predict the top 100 players for the upcoming season. The Whitehouse High School graduate finished as the No. 1 overall player last season, suffering a drop in the rankings to No. 5.

In ESPN’s blurb, they discussed the upcoming challenges for the season, despite the addition of running back Kenneth Walker III, the ESPN team has concerns about Mahomes being able to return from injuries, and the team had a rough year in general.

“Once again, Mahomes has plenty of motivation for an impressive season since he’s returning from the most significant injury (torn ACL) of his career,” Nate Taylor wrote in the blurb. “The Chiefs’ addition of running back Kenneth Walker III should lessen the burden on Mahomes to carry the entire offense. And he has already suggested that his injury might force him to be a better passer from within the pocket, a progression that could propel the Chiefs into a top offense again.”

“Signature stat: Including the playoffs,” ESPN continued. “Mahomes has a 15-17 record when trailing by 10-plus points in a game. His 46.9% win percentage in that situation is the highest by any starting QB since 1950 (minimum of 15 games). 2026 projections: 4,001 passing yards, 26 TDs, 12 INTs; 53 carries, 327 rushing yards, 3 TDs.”

Two Browns — Carson Schwesinger (No. 85) and Jared Verse (No. 69) — made ESPN’s projection of the top-100 players of the 2026 NFL season.

*Denzel Ward was an egregious snub* https://t.co/oMIDb21fGb
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 1, 2026