Patrick Mahomes is undoubtedly the face of the NFL, but according to a league executive, the Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback is also creating a scheduling dilemma that could impact the upcoming 2026 season.

As the NFL gears up to release its schedule—typically dropping in mid-May for the past five or six years—the league is facing an unusual challenge: Mahomes might not be ready to play when the season kicks off. "There's no magic to May 12, 13, or 14," explained Mike North, the NFL's Vice President of Broadcast Planning. "Is there a downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No. I don't think it's coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target."

Mahomes and the Chiefs have consistently been the league's biggest ratings draw, making any early-season matchup with a top contender a must-watch event. However, everything changed in December 2025 when Mahomes suffered a torn ACL. While he's been rehabbing since, questions remain about his availability for the start of the season. He's still not cleared to practice, which forced the Chiefs to sign veteran quarterback Justin Fields, who's currently taking all first-team reps.

This uncertainty is a major headache for the NFL's scheduling team. North openly admitted that the league would think twice before putting a marquee, primetime game on the calendar early in the season if there's a real chance Mahomes might not suit up. Fields is a capable starter, and the Chiefs remain a strong team, but the reality is clear: a Patrick Mahomes-less game isn't the same box-office draw. For a league that thrives on star power and ratings, that's a problem they can't afford to ignore.