The Kansas City Chiefs' plans for the backup quarterback position might look a little bit different in 2026.Chiefs GM Brett Veach has always targeted a specific type of backup quarterback ever since Patrick Mahomes took over as the starter,

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes left Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers early after he suffered a knee injury. The Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention.

Mahomes was injured as he was chased from behind and got tangled up with Chargers lineman Da’Shawn Hand. Mahomes immediately grabbed his knee after it buckled and eventually needed help from two Chiefs staffers to walk to the locker room. The Chiefs have three games remaining in the season.

The outlet reported that the extra layer can “complicate recovery,” although it “doesn’t necessarily” change the nine-month timetable for his return. Mahomes, 30, underwent surgery Monday for the left ACL tear, the team announced, although the franchise did not mention an LCL injury.

The two-time MVP will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury. Here's the latest on his status and timeline to return.

Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes celebrated their first Christmas as a family of five after welcoming their third child in January 2025.

The daughter of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany shows off her balancing skills. Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images