In November, it was predicted that Carson Wentz could leave the Kansas City Chiefs. One would think it was impossible for such a thing to happen considering the team is now 15-1 and clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. Who wouldn’t want to be on the winning team’s side? But being a backup for a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes left him with no future as a starter in the team.

In the Chiefs’ Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes hurt his ankle and so, Wentz was deployed. He completed both of his pass attempts for 20 yards and was also able to the Chiefs in their 21-7 victory, which kept them in control of the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

“It’s been different,” revealed Wentz then, who had gotten a taste of the backup role last year with the Rams. He played behind Matthew Stafford. “Being behind Patrick has been another new experience for me. I’ve been able to see Patrick play at a high level and see this organization through a different lens. It’s been fun doing it.”

Then even the Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy once stated how difficult it was to be a backup for Mahomes. “You have to be mentally strong as the backup… And it’s the same thing this week. I’d like to say something changes; it doesn’t. Carson prepares like the best of them. He knows if he has to play, he’ll be ready.” Does this mean Wentz doesn’t have what it takes to be a starter?

Make no mistake. The QB very much believes he can still be a starter in the league. In fact, Andy Reid thinks this too.

In a new press conference on December 30, the head coach stated, “I’m one of his biggest fans. I liked him coming. I liked what he did before he was banged up there in Philly. And I liked what I saw last year from him for sure with his start with the Rams. And I like what I’ve seen here. I’m glad I have had the opportunity to see him here. I’d selfishly like to keep him, but I don’t think that’s going to be possible.

Top Comment by Docnoble

I give Andy the benefit of the doubt. Who knows if Reid and Mahommes tutoring could help Wentz. Maybe he...more

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“He should be starting in the league somewhere. That’s what he should be doing. His ability and the way he goes about his business, he is so structured and disciplined. His study habits and work, all those things are just top notch.”

As per ‘Bleacher Report’, the Vikings could be a good place for him. The team may not stick with Sam Darnold for long and could hand the baton to J.J. McCarthy. But having a veteran like Wentz could further help develop McCarthy. However, if something like this takes place, Wentz would be the backup and not the starter.

But let us come back to the present time. The Broncos game could be a chance for Wentz to prove himself as a reliable starter in the league as Mahomes won’t be playing. He was once the starter for the Colts in 2021, then went on to start for the Commanders in the capital for half a season. Since then, Wentz has mostly been subjected to the role of a backup, starting with the Rams last season. His last start in the NFL was during a game for Los Angeles in 2023. It was a bit of a meaningless game as the team already clinched the playoffs. Yet Wentz played well and completed 17 of his 24 passes for 163 yards.

He also threw two TDs and an interception while absorbing two sacks in the process. As Wentz prepares to help, the Chiefs maintain their positive momentum next week. Reid isn’t too keen on playing Isiah Pacheco and DJ Humphries, who are slowly returning to full fitness.

Andy Reid offers positive updates on Isiah Pacheco & DJ Humphries!

With a historic 3-peat on the line, Andy Reid is not ready to take any chances with either of his players. Anyone who isn’t completely fit probably won’t get on the gridiron against the Broncos.

Mahomes won’t be the only one getting rest in Denver next week. Their running back, Isiah Pacheco, who continues to nurture a rib injury, is heading in the right direction. But Reid isn’t taking any chances with his availability, “He’ll be available playoff-wise, but he is tender… I’ll probably hold him back this week in practice, so he can be fresh and ready to go.” 

And Pacheco isn’t the only one with whom Andy Reid is taking precautionary measures. One-time Pro Bowler LT DJ Humphries, who was signed to help the Chiefs fix their O-line issues, has failed to deliver. After coming back from a season-ending ACL injury, Humphries got injured on his first start in Kansas City.

As he continues to deal with a hamstring issue, Reid is looking forward to his recovery. “He’s doing good. I can’t make any promises. I want to get him out to practice and kinds see where we are at. He’s doing good on the rehab part. That’s different than being on the field. So I’d like to see how he does there.”

Now, Reid also has Mecole Hardman and Jaylen Watson on the treatment table. And both of them could be back before the playoffs from their respective knee and ankle injuries. So the Chiefs aren’t ready to throw everything on their week 18 clash in Denver. That means the Broncos have a golden opportunity to win and secure that No.7 seed for the playoffs. What do you think?