Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. With the loss, the Chiefs will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014. Since Mahomes tore his ACL in December, there is a chance he misses the beginning of the 2026 season. Who would play in place of Mahomes? Here are three quarterbacks the Chiefs can start for the injured Mahomes.
Gardner Minshew
Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew on Patrick Mahomes:
"I don't think I've ever respected anybody I play with more. I've never seen anybody I play with give so much of themselves to the team … I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back better than ever."#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/vWSoEMesbd
— Mark Poulose (@MarkPoulose) December 14, 2025
Gardner Minshew is about to get an unofficial tryout from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Minshew is Mahomes’ backup in Kansas City, meaning he will start for the Chiefs for the three remaining games this season.
With Kansas City eliminated from the postseason, the wins and losses can only determine draft positioning for 2026.
Minshew replaced Mahomes late in Sunday’s game during a critical drive. With the Chiefs’ season on the line, Minshew threw an interception to seal the 16-13 victory for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Minshew is a capable backup quarterback who can win a few games. The journeyman has thrown for 11,972 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions in seven seasons. Minshew’s record as a starter is 17-29.
If Minshew plays well down the stretch, the Chiefs will likely re-sign Minshew to back up Mahomes next year and potentially start if the two-time MVP isn’t ready for September.
Carson Wentz
The Chiefs could bring back a familiar face in 2026.
Carson Wentz was Mahomes’ backup in 2024, a year that ended in a Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory.
This season, Wentz backed up J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota. Wentz threw for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in five starts this season. The Vikings went 2-3 in Wentz’ starts.
Wentz knows Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense, and Andy Reid should feel comfortable rolling out the 32-year-old to start a few games if need be.
Wentz is coming off a season-ending left shoulder injury, which could affect whether the Chiefs sign him.
Joe Flacco
Forget Philip Rivers. Joe Flacco is a 40-year-old quarterback who can still sling it.
Flacco started 10 games this season — four with the Cleveland Browns and six with the Cincinnati Bengals. Though he went 2-8 in those games, Flacco’s arm remains powerful and effective.
Flacco is 247 of 410 for 2,451 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 10 games.
Does Flacco still want to play football? If so, the Chiefs should definitely consider the veteran as a temporary replacement for Mahomes.
