Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Faces Dire Prediction from NFL Insider

League executive believes Mahomes could miss start of season, with backup Justin Fields stepping in.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:56am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, representing the complex challenges facing the Chiefs as they prepare for the start of the season without their star quarterback.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the uncertainty surrounding Patrick Mahomes' recovery and the Chiefs' preparations for the possibility of his absence.Kansas City Today

An NFL executive has shared a dire prediction for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, suggesting the team may be preparing for backup Justin Fields to start the season as Mahomes recovers from a season-ending knee injury. The executive believes the Chiefs could use the early weeks to get new running back Kenneth Walker III more involved in both the running and passing games.

Why it matters

Mahomes is the Chiefs' star quarterback and his health is crucial to the team's success. If he is unable to start the season, it would be a significant blow to the team's Super Bowl aspirations. The Chiefs' offseason moves, including the trade for Fields and the signing of Walker, suggest they are preparing for the possibility of Mahomes missing time.

The details

According to the report, the league executive believes the Chiefs are likely prepared for backup Justin Fields to start the season, with the team potentially using the early weeks to get new running back Kenneth Walker III more involved in both the running and passing games. The executive added that the team could be looking to 'survive the early part of the season' until Mahomes is able to return.

  • The report was published on April 2, 2026.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury.

Justin Fields

The backup quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who could be called upon to start the season if Mahomes is not ready.

Kenneth Walker III

The new running back signed by the Kansas City Chiefs, who could see an increased role in the offense early in the season.

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What they’re saying

“I think it points to, 'OK, let's survive the early part of the season.' I bet they just run the tread off Justin. It will be a lot of RPO. And they maybe get Walker involved in the passing game so that he can continue to be a two-phase player when Mahomes comes back.”

— Anonymous league executive

“If Mahomes keeps on going up against five- and six-man boxes, he can only do so much. They need that run threat.”

— Anonymous league executive

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue to monitor Mahomes' recovery and provide updates on his status as the season approaches. If Mahomes is unable to start Week 1, the focus will shift to how well Justin Fields and the running game can perform in his absence.

The takeaway

This report highlights the uncertainty surrounding Mahomes' recovery and the potential impact it could have on the Chiefs' start to the season. The team's offseason moves suggest they are preparing for the possibility of Mahomes missing time, which could force them to rely more heavily on their running game and backup quarterback in the early weeks.