Mahomes' Recovery: Mariota to Start in 2026?

The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason focus centers on quarterback Patrick Mahomes' recovery timeline following an ACL injury sustained late in the season. While Mahomes has expressed a desire to play in Week 1, his return hinges on a strong recovery and sufficient training camp practices, a timeline that is steadily shrinking. ESPN's Seth Walder has notably predicted Marcus Mariota as the Chiefs' starting quarterback for 2026, a projection contingent on Mahomes' recovery from December knee ligament surgery.

Walder suggests that while Mahomes may aim for Week 1, the Chiefs might prioritize caution with their franchise player. This approach could lead them to rely on a dependable backup like Mariota, who has a proven track record of winning games. The team's priority is to avoid rushing Mahomes back, especially after his knee surgery. Mariota is considered a viable option to keep the team competitive during Mahomes' rehabilitation period, ensuring the star quarterback returns to full health.