Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has expressed optimism that he will be ready for the start of the next NFL season after suffering a season-ending injury in December.
Just what kind of quarterback they’ll have on the field could be another question, a former NFL quarterback turned analyst questioned.
While both Mahomes and the team have shared positive updates on his rehab from a torn ACL, the two-time MVP does not yet have a clear timeline on when he will be cleared for games. Tim Hasselbeck also worries that Mahomes may lose a step upon his return.
Patrick Mahomes Faces Uncertainty Over 2026 Performance
In an appearance on ESPN, Hasselbeck questioned whether Mahomes would be able to return to his peak once he gets back on the field.
“When he’s back, will he be the Patrick Mahomes that we remember?” Hasselbeck wrote.
Mahomes said he expected to return from the injury by Week 1, and head coach Andy Reid backed that sentiment. The Chiefs got more good news this week, with NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom reporting that Mahomes is ahead of schedule on his rehab.
“The buzz around the league is that the future Hall of Fame quarterback attacked his return from season-ending surgery with fury and conviction and is ahead of schedule and consumed with being back for the season opener,” La Canfora reported. “Some close to the situation believe Reid might have to hold the start back some and try to keep him from pushing too hard as he returns from surgery to repair his ACL and LCL in his left knee.”
Chiefs Questioned About Offensive Moves
Hasselbeck also raised concern about whether the Chiefs made enough moves to support new backup quarterback Justin Fields if he has to start the season in place of Mahomes. He noted that the Chiefs already had some deficiencies in their wide receiver corps, but largely ignored the position during the NFL draft and free agency.
“Clearly they’ve been given some attention to the running back position with the investment in Kenneth Walker, but with the moves being primarily on the defensive side of the ball, especially through the draft, it seems a little odd to me that they’re kind of banking on that receiving group with Xavier Worth and Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton being better than they have in past years,” Hasselbeck said.
Hasselbeck said the team may be banking too heavily on Mahomes returning from his injury in time to start the season.
“If he’s not, are you supporting Justin Fields without enough talent around him until Mahomes does get back,” Hasselbeck said.
Chiefs Face Worrying Patrick Mahomes Question as Season Approaches