JUST IN: Chiefs discloses Quarterbacks that could replace Patrick Mahomes due to his injury. Read more below 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

The two quarterbacks who could replace Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs
Mahomes is a doubt for the start of the 2026 NFL season

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The Kansas City Chiefs face an unfamiliar reality after Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, casting doubt over his availability for the start of the 2026 season as the focus now shifts to which quarterbacks could realistically stabilize the position during his absence.

Mahomes went down late against the Los Angeles Chargers in a 16-13 loss as he looked to keep the campaign alive for one more week, ending both Kansas City’s NFL Playoffs hopes and his season in a single moment.

A proven starting quarterback from his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins has impressed late in 2025 and fits what the Chiefs need, especially given their roster strength and win-now expectations.

Kansas City represents an ideal football situation, featuring Andy Reid’s offense and premier weapons like Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice. Financially, however, Cousins’ $57.5 million cap hit complicates any straightforward trade.

The Chiefs are projected to sit below the 2026 salary cap threshold, making a major deal unlikely unless Atlanta absorbs most of the contract. If that occurs, compensation would likely be modest, mirroring the return from the Matt Ryan trade.

Another scenario emerges if Atlanta releases Cousins outright – which may surprise some considering he has produced 1,218 yards and six touchdowns against three interceptions in seven NFL appearances since taking over again from Michael Penix Jr.

Could the Kansas City Chiefs hang onto Gardner Minshew?
The most realistic short-term solution for Kansas City may already be on the roster, as Gardner Minshew took over late against the Los Angeles Chargers after Mahomes went down and is now set to start the final three games of the 2025 season.

Minshew entered Sunday’s game with 1:53 remaining in the fourth quarter, completing three of five passes for 22 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. While limited, those snaps marked his first regular-season action of the year.

The 29-year-old quarterback will now have an extended audition, starting with road games against the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders, plus a home matchup against the AFC West leaders, the Denver Broncos.

This gives him a chance to audition against two weaker teams he should perform well against, and one tougher opponent in the Broncos to evaluate how he handles pressure. How he performs could heavily influence Kansas City’s approach to the position in 2026.

Minshew is playing on a one-year contract, meaning the Chiefs control whether he remains part of their plans. Strong performances down the stretch could position him as a cost-effective bridge option while Mahomes completes his rehabilitation.

Drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Minshew exceeded expectations early, setting a franchise rookie passing touchdown record as he burst onto the scene.

Since then, he has logged starts with the Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Raiders, gaining valuable experience.

His most recent full starting opportunity came in Indianapolis during the 2023 season. Across his career, Minshew has thrown for 11,950 yards on 1,729 attempts, completing 63.3 percent of his passes with 68 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.

Turnovers remain the primary concern, particularly during his nine starts with a struggling Raiders team in 2024. But Minshew knows the playbook, knows Andy Reid, and knows the team. If he steps up, he could remain in Kansas City for another year, tasked with steadying the offense through the opening weeks of 2026 until Patrick Mahomes is ready to reclaim the job.