Chiefs HC Andy Reid Provides Update on Mahomes' Injury Rehab

Kansas City has backup plan with Justin Fields if Mahomes isn't ready for start of 2026 season

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update on star quarterback Patrick Mahomes' recovery from a knee injury, saying Mahomes is making good progress but the team has a backup plan in place with the acquisition of Justin Fields from the New York Jets. Reid expressed confidence the Chiefs can win with Fields if Mahomes isn't ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' success heavily depends on Mahomes, the team's franchise quarterback and one of the NFL's elite players. His recovery from a significant knee injury will be crucial for the team's chances of bouncing back from a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025. The addition of Fields gives the Chiefs insurance in case Mahomes isn't ready, but the team is still hoping its star QB will be back to full strength by the start of the season.

The details

Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 15. According to Reid, Mahomes is spending seven hours a day in the team's facilities working on his rehab, and the progress he's making is showing. However, Reid stopped short of providing a specific timeline for Mahomes' return. The Chiefs acquired Fields from the Jets in the offseason, sending a 2027 sixth-round pick to New York. Fields has starting experience in the NFL, having started 53 games over five seasons with the Bears, Steelers and Jets. His best season came in 2022 with the Bears when he threw for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,143 yards and 8 scores.

  • Mahomes suffered the knee injury on Dec. 15, 2025 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
  • The Chiefs acquired Justin Fields from the New York Jets in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs who is recovering from a knee injury that caused him to miss the end of the 2025 season.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs who provided an update on Mahomes' injury rehab.

Justin Fields

The quarterback acquired by the Chiefs from the New York Jets in the 2026 offseason to serve as a backup to Mahomes.

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What they’re saying

“He's doing great. He spends a ton of time in the building. … He's in there for seven hours a day. It's showing, the progress. Now, to tell you a timeline? I mean, I know what he's striving for. We'll just see where it goes from there.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

“Well, we snuck out and got a good quarterback to back him up. So, if he doesn't, you know, if he's not able to make it for the beginning of the season, then we know we've got a legitimate backup there that can go win games for us.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue to monitor Mahomes' progress in his rehab, with the goal of having him ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season. If Mahomes is not cleared in time, the team is confident that Justin Fields can step in and lead the offense.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' success in 2026 will hinge on the health of Patrick Mahomes. While the team has a capable backup plan in place with Justin Fields, Mahomes is the key to the Chiefs returning to contention after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Reid's positive update on Mahomes' recovery is an encouraging sign for the team and its fans.