Patrick Mahomes Injury Replacements

Even a three week absence from the reigning MVP can send thousands of fantasy teams into a frenzy.

Like everyone else watching the game on Thursday, I was shocked when I saw Patrick Mahomes at lying on the ground and pointing at his leg after a 4th and 1 QB sneak. Thankfully, a torn ACL was quickly ruled out and MRI scans reported a minor kneecap dislocation. While this is close to the best case scenario for the superstud QB, fantasy owners who picked him up in the second and third round likely did not think about stashing a backup quarterback behind the reigning MVP. Well, that time has come and while mid season quarterback changes are rarely good news, there are some solid options to fill in the empty slot for the 3-6 weeks until Pat Mahomes returns.

Kirk Cousins has bounced back from his slow start to the season and if he's available, don't think twice before picking him up as your replacement QB.

Kirk Cousins (Vikings) - After an abysmal start to the season that saw both of his star receivers criticize the teams inability to throw the football, Kirk Cousins has responded with two solid performances with four touchdowns last week against the Eagles. Although Cousins does have a 77 percent ownership, there is a chance he's still on the waivers in your league. Playing the Lions, Redskins, and Chiefs, all heavily depleted defenses, and having one of the most talented offenses in football with Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and Dalvin Cook, expect Cousins to keep it rolling for the next few weeks. If you can get him, don't think twice before putting him in the QB spot until Pat Mahomes returns.

After an illness kept him sidelined for a few weeks, Sam Darnold is primed to be a breakout QB.

Sam Darnold (Jets) - For this situation, we have to look more at the schedule for the next few weeks than rest of season outlook. However, Sam Darnold combines both of those with a talented offense. Darnold is currently at a 52 percent ownership and after a tough matchup with the Patriots, faces the Dolphins, Redskins, Jalen Ramsey-less Jaguars, and Giants, all plus matchups. Darnold will obviously not put up numbers you expect from Pat Mahomes, but he should churn out solid numbers throwing it to guys like Le'Veon Bell, Robby Anderson, and Jamison Crowder. In a 10-14 team league, this guy should be at the top of your replacement list.

In a deeper league, Mitchell Trubisky provides good risk/reward at the QB slot.

Mitchell Trubisky (Bears) - I had to balance this post out with a guy that has a 30 percent ownership. Mitchell Trubisky is coming off a shoulder injury that caused him to miss games and has an abysmal season thus far. However, the Bears have an above average set of receivers in Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, and Tarik Cohen, which could spell a bounce back for the third year quarterback. With a moderate set of matchups against the Saints, Eagles, and Chargers, Trubisky will provide boom/bust numbers if you can't pickup or trade for anyone better.