The Chiefs have spent the past two weeks building toward their first preseason game, with Andy Reid using training camp to evaluate a roster that needs to bounce back after Kansas City missed the playoffs last season. The team has also been getting Patrick Mahomes back into full rhythm after his recovery from the torn ACL and LCL that ended his 2025 season.
Mahomes has participated in camp and has continued working with an offense that includes familiar faces such as Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy. Kansas City also added Justin Fields to its quarterback room this offseason, giving Reid another experienced option behind his franchise quarterback.
Saturday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams will therefore provide an important opportunity for the quarterbacks competing for the backup role. Fields and rookie Garrett Nussmeier have received plenty of attention throughout camp, while Chris Oladokun remains another option in the room.
Reid has now made his decision on how the Chiefs will handle their quarterback rotation.
Patrick Mahomes Will Sit out Chiefs’ Preseason Opener
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Mahomes will not play Saturday, Reid announced Thursday. Fields, Nussmeier and Oladokun will split the game instead, according to Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen.
That gives Fields his first preseason opportunity to operate Kansas City’s offense in a live-game setting. The Chiefs acquired him from the New York Jets this offseason, and his ability to make plays with his legs gives Reid a different option when Mahomes is not on the field.
Nussmeier, meanwhile, enters his first NFL preseason after Kansas City selected him in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Oladokun provides the most experience in the system among the three and has appeared in regular-season games for the Chiefs.
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The decision also keeps the focus on Mahomes’ preparation for the regular season. Reid previously indicated that he was leaning toward keeping Mahomes out of the preseason opener and remained uncertain about whether the quarterback would play in the second or third game.
The Chiefs will host the Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday as they begin their preseason schedule.
