Chiefs have huge Patrick Mahomes dilemma to resolve

wcc

May 6, 2026 - 00:42

0 1

Chiefs have huge Patrick Mahomes dilemma to resolve originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Chiefs have had a rather smooth offseason, with the franchise in a good spot roster-wise as they turn to the offseason program.

But one thing that is still unknown is how healthy Patrick Mahomes is.

Rehabbing his torn ACL, head coach Andy Reid stated Patrick is making good progress, but if Mahomes is to suit up for Week 1, that progress will need to be gently nudged a little harder than it has been.

And for CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan, he wonders if Mahomes will indeed be ready for Week 1, but the reason isn't what you expect.

There's a big Justin Fields component to it.

"The central question with Mahomes is whether he'll be ready to suit up for the Chiefs in Week 1 or need extra time to rehab before taking the field again," Sullivan wrote. "That'll be a fascinating balancing act for Kansas City to go through this offseason.

"On the one hand, they'll want Mahomes to make positive strides in hopes of playing out of the gate, but they'll also need to give Justin Fields, whom they acquired this offseason, work to prepare him in case he needs to start the season under center."

MORE:Analyst questions C.J. Stroud's Texans future

Chiefs face balancing act

The Chiefs need to give Justin Fields ample reps to get comfortable in Reid's system so that if he is required to play, he's ready to go.

But also, as Sullivan pointed out, Mahomes needs reps as well, so if he is in line to return in Week 1, he's in good football shape both physically and mentally.

So how the Chiefs play it will be interesting.

Give Fields all the reps while Mahomes is rehabbing, as if there is one player you can be confident in to go out and play at a high level with minimal preparation, it's Patrick.

Still, how Reid and his staff execute this balancing act over the coming months will be an interesting watch.