For the first time in a decade, the NFL playoffs are moving forward without the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the end of one of the most dominant post-season streaks in sports history. The second-longest playoff run on record came to a crashing halt on the same day the city’s heart stopped when Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL. This injury has cast a massive cloud over the 2026 season, as Mahomes’ status for the opening weeks remains a major question mark. With Gardner Minshew no longer in the fold and some less than inspiring play from third-stringer Chris Oladokun, the Chiefs find themselves in a position they haven’t faced since 2018, staring down a Week 1 start with a name other than number 15 under center.
Could an Ironic Veteran Signing Solve the Chiefs’ Week 1 Dilemma?
In a recent sit-down, Mahomes provided a much-needed update on his grueling rehab process. While he is aggressively targeting an opening-day return, noting that his doctors told him he “could be” ready for Week 1, the reality of a December ACL tear suggests a more cautious timeline is likely.
Even if Mahomes is a fast healer, the front office cannot afford to gamble on a “maybe.” This creates an immediate need for a bridge starter who can hold down the fort without letting the season slip away before the superstar returns.The free-agent market offers a few intriguing stopgaps. Veterans like Joe Flacco and Marcus Mariota are proven commodities who could manage the offense for a month without being overwhelmed by the bright lights of Arrowhead.
Then there is the youth route with someone like Kenny Pickett, who might benefit from a change of scenery under Andy Reid. However, the most fascinating, and arguably ironic option would be Mitchell Trubisky. Currently backing up in Buffalo, a Trubisky to Kansas move would be a full-circle moment for NFL fans who remember the Bears trading up to take him over Mahomes in the 2017 draft. Signing the man once picked ahead of him to temporarily protect his throne would be the latest plot twist in the Mahomes era.
Why the Chiefs remain AFC favorites in 2026
Despite the catastrophic end to their 2025 campaign, both the Chiefs’ front office and the “Kingdom” can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the foundation of the franchise remains intact. Patrick Mahomes is still very much in his prime, and his resume through eight seasons is already better than most Hall of Fame careers. Before the injury, he became the first quarterback in history to reach seven consecutive Conference Championship games and the youngest player to ever secure three Super Bowl MVP awards.
Missing the playoffs and watching the divisional round from the couch is an unfamiliar feeling for a team that has played in five of the last eight Super Bowls. While the ACL recovery is the immediate hurdle, history shows that an elite competitor with a point to prove is a dangerous thing. Mahomes will likely enter the 2026 season with the biggest chip on his shoulder since he was a draft prospect being overlooked by several teams. Once he is fully healthy, the Chiefs will immediately reclaim their spot as the team to beat in the AFC.
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