The Kansas City Chiefs are taking a cautious approach with their franchise quarterback. Andy Reid revealed that Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to see action in the team's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 15, as the coaching staff prioritizes his long-term health and the development of backup quarterbacks.
“There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him,” Reid told reporters. “Percentages are leaning that way. I don’t know if I’ll play him the second or third game, I don’t know that, but the percentages likely lean against doing that. We’ve got new people in those other positions behind him that need some work, and so the more reps they get, the better.”
Mahomes, who tore his ACL and LCL in his left knee late in the 2025 season, has been a full participant in training camp, but the team is being careful not to rush him back. The star signal-caller understands the rationale, even if his competitive instincts scream otherwise.
“I’m a competitor, so [on] game day, I’m going to want to be out there,” Mahomes said. “But I understand the process of getting myself ready to play in the regular season is more important. We’ll see. The coaches and doctors will make that decision for me, but I’ll prepare myself like I’m going to play.”
If Mahomes sits, Justin Fields is the most likely candidate to take the first-team reps. Fields, who joined the Chiefs in the offseason, had a solid 2025 campaign with 1,259 passing yards, 383 rushing yards, and seven touchdown passes. He's eager to prove he can still be a starter in this league.
Behind Fields, the Chiefs have veteran Chris Oladokun and rookie Garrett Nussmeier, who enjoyed a productive college career at LSU, throwing for 7,699 yards and 52 touchdowns. The preseason will be crucial for these players to get quality snaps and build chemistry with the offense.
Reid's decision isn't just about Mahomes' recovery; it's also about evaluating the depth chart. With new faces in the quarterback room and other positions, the preseason offers a valuable opportunity to see what the backups can do in game situations.
Mahomes' ultimate goal is to be ready for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. The Chiefs will need him at full strength to make a playoff push, and the coaching staff is making sure that happens.
While fans might be disappointed not to see their star quarterback in the preseason, the bigger picture is clear: a healthy Mahomes is the key to the Chiefs' Super Bowl hopes. As the team navigates this delicate balance, the preseason will serve as a testing ground for the supporting cast.
