The NFL is heading into the 2026 offseason with an unusual scheduling complication, as three AFC contenders are all managing significant quarterback injuries that could affect the opening weeks of the season.
The Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos each have unresolved health questions at the most important position in the sport.
That reality makes it risky to feature certain headline matchups too early, including Kansas City‘s trip to Buffalo in the new Highmark Stadium, the Chiefs‘ two meetings with Denver, and Buffalo‘s return visit to Denver.
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Sports Illustrated even suggests that it “might be good idea to prompt the AWS computers to avoid Week 1 matchups that pair the Chiefs at Buffalo in the new Highmark Stadium, the Chiefs’ two games against the Broncos, and Buffalo’s rematch at Denver.”
Those games are premium league assets, but their value drops sharply if the star quarterbacks involved are limited or unavailable.
Buffalo‘s situation became public on Thursday when Josh Allen arrived at Joe Brady‘s introductory press conference wearing a boot on his right foot and using crutches. Allen later confirmed he underwent foot surgery following the Bills‘ divisional playoff loss and expects to be sidelined for eight to ten weeks.
Denver is facing a longer road back with Bo Nix. Immediately after the Broncos‘ playoff defeat, head coach Sean Payton revealed that Nix had broken his foot and would need surgery.
The injury forced Jarrett Stidham into the starting lineup for the AFC Championship Game. While Nix is projected to miss around twelve weeks, that timeline does not guarantee readiness once football activity resumes, as returning to full speed often extends well beyond an initial recovery window.
Kansas City‘s concern is the most serious. Patrick Mahomes underwent season-ending surgery on December 15 to repair torn ACL and LCL injuries in his left knee. Medical projections have placed his rehabilitation at roughly nine months, leaving real doubt about how much he will be able to do when training camp opens.
A recent example, as training camp timelines add another layer of risk
All three quarterbacks are now headed into the offseason focused on rehabilitation rather than preparation. How much they will be able to contribute during organised team activities, training camp and the preseason remains uncertain.
At a minimum, it would not be surprising if Allen, Mahomes and Nix all begin camp on the physically unable to perform list.
History shows that PUP stints can be unpredictable. Matthew Stafford is a recent example. After aggravating a disc injury in his back during offseason workouts, the Rams quarterback did not take a single snap during training camp and only returned to practice shortly before the regular-season opener.
That slow build did not define his season. Stafford went on to lead the Rams to the playoffs and is now the favourite to win MVP, an award set to be announced on February 5 at NFL Honors. He also earned 31 first-place votes in All-Pro balloting, securing the first All-Pro recognition of his career.
That outcome offers hope to Buffalo, Kansas City and Denver, but it does not remove the uncertainty facing the league in April.
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