The serious injury Patrick Mahomes suffered has left Kansas City Chiefs fans very apprehensive about expectations for the upcoming NFL season. However, general manager Brett Veach provided an updated overview of how the team will try to protect itself without its QB1 during the first games of 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs Outline Plan To Protect Patrick Mahomes
According to the GM during a press conference at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis (via Travis May), the Chiefs will try to be more explosive in the running game and provide greater protection for Mahomes, seeking to add depth to the roster with the additions of Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey.
“Well, I think it’s certainly we want to get more explosive in the running game. And we’ve invested in that interior and with Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey, two of the best in the league. And we thought Kingsley made a big step. I mean, those are three talented interior players. So I think, and we’ve talked about it, and the coach has done an amazing job with his staff, cranking on that scheme eval.”
“But I think being more explosive in the running game and really taking advantage of those interior three to kind of impose your will on an opposing team’s defense. But in the running game, it takes a lot of pressure off everybody. So I think if we can be more explosive and more effective in the running game, I think obviously we take a lot of pressure off Pat, especially coming back early in the season with the injury.”
Brett Veach on how Chiefs plan to protect Patrick Mahomes. #NFLCombine @AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/fBloHBPhjz
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) February 24, 2026
Earlier this week, Andy Reid gave positive updates on Mahomes’ (who ranks No. 17 in the PFSN QB Impact metric with a C+ grade) current health status. Mahomes is undergoing intense rehabilitation after undergoing reconstructive surgery on the ligaments (ACL) in his left knee, following an injury sustained in Week 15.
Although his progress is positive, there is still caution regarding September. Mahomes’ personal goal is to be ready for the first round of the 2026 season, but the coaching staff prefers not to set a definitive date, prioritizing the athlete’s full physical safety before his return.
After a below-par performance in the 2025 season and with Mahomes’ injury to contend with, the Chiefs find themselves in a promising situation, as for the first time in a long time in the Reid era, the team will have a longer preparation period and a top-ten draft pick (9th overall).
Furthermore, while other teams at the top of the draft may spend their picks on QBs, elite players at other positions of need, such as pass rushers, wide receivers, and running backs, tend to be available for the Chiefs.
With the No. 9 pick, the franchise will be poised to acquire a player capable of making an immediate impact, something difficult to achieve when routinely drafting late in the first round.
