Overview
- Chiefs vice president of sports medicine Rick Burkholder said Mahomes’ ACL/LCL repair carries a ballpark nine-month rehab, leaving his Week 1, 2026 availability uncertain.
- The Chargers loss dropped Kansas City to 6-8 and out of the playoff race, with Gardner Minshew starting the rest of the 2025 season.
- Given Mahomes’ timeline and the team’s history of experienced backups, the front office must decide whether to re-sign Minshew or add another veteran.
- Jeff Howe of The Athletic suggested Fields target the Chiefs, with Newsweek noting expectations the Jets will cut him after the season; any move would be contingent on those developments.
- Heavy’s analysis argues Fields could fit on a short, inexpensive deal that aligns with Kansas City’s cap constraints heading into 2026.