The Kansas City Chiefs are moving right along with training camp 2026 and Andy Reid is changing his approach at quarterback for the team’s second preseason game.
Patrick Mahomes will remain on the sideline when Kansas City faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night, but Reid plans to give Justin Fields an extended opportunity to run the offense. The decision comes as the Chiefs continue to exercise caution with Mahomes, who is working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered late last season.
Mahomes has participated in 11-on-11 work during training camp and has spoken positively about the progress of his surgically repaired knee. Kansas City, however, has little reason to expose its franchise quarterback to unnecessary preseason contact.
That creates a significant opportunity for Fields.
Andy Reid Reveals Chiefs’ Plan for Justin Fields
Reid announced Thursday that Fields will play into the second quarter against Tampa Bay, according to ESPN Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor.
“Andy Reid, at the close of the Chiefs’ training camp, said that Justin Fields will play into the 2nd quarter for Saturday’s exhibition against the Buccaneers,” Taylor reported.
Taylor added that Mahomes will not play. Offensive linemen Trey Smith and Josh Simmons and defensive end Ashton Gillotte also will be held out.
Fields’ workload represents a notable increase in responsibility as Kansas City evaluates its quarterback depth behind Mahomes.
The Chiefs added Fields to a quarterback room that also includes rookie Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun. With Mahomes unavailable for preseason action, those three quarterbacks have received additional opportunities throughout August.
Fields now gets the first extended look Saturday.
Chiefs Continue Cautious Approach With Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs’ handling of Mahomes should not come as a major surprise.
Mahomes tore his ACL in December and underwent surgery, making his recovery one of Kansas City’s biggest storylines entering the 2026 season. Despite the severity of the injury, his progress throughout training camp has been encouraging.
Mahomes recently said his knee “feels great” while testing it during camp. The 30-year-old has been cleared for full-team work as he continues targeting Kansas City’s Sept. 14 regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos.
The Chiefs are therefore balancing two priorities: getting Mahomes ready for Week 1 while avoiding unnecessary risk before the games count.
Sitting him against Tampa Bay accomplishes the latter while giving Reid a valuable opportunity to evaluate Fields.
Kansas City lost its preseason opener to the Los Angeles Rams, 20-12. The Chiefs will face Tampa Bay on Saturday before closing their preseason schedule against the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 28.
For Mahomes, the most important date remains Sept. 14.
For Fields, Saturday represents his chance to show Reid exactly what Kansas City has behind its franchise quarterback.
