Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs continued their preseason Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Andy Reid and his coaching staff evaluate the roster ahead of the regular season. While most of Kansas City’s key players are using the preseason to prepare for Week 1, Mahomes remained on the sideline at Raymond James Stadium as he continues his recovery from last season’s knee injury.
Mahomes has been trending toward a return for the Chiefs’ regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos. He was cleared for full football activities before training camp and has participated in practice as he works his way back from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered last season. Reid has remained optimistic about his quarterback’s progress, but has not committed to a specific preseason return.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
During Saturday’s broadcast with Trent Green, Mahomes provided his latest update. He said he wanted to play against Tampa Bay but that the decision was not his.
Mahomes added that he hopes to play in next week’s preseason game, although that will ultimately be Reid’s decision. He also said he is “extremely confident” he can be ready for Week 1, adding, “We’re trending that direction.”
The update gives the Chiefs another indication that Mahomes remains on track for the regular season despite sitting out the first two preseason games. Kansas City has instead used Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun at quarterback during the preseason, with Reid announcing that Fields would start against Tampa Bay.
Mahomes’ availability for Week 1 remains dependent on the final decision from the Chiefs’ medical and coaching staffs. Kansas City opens the regular season against Denver, making the coming week another important checkpoint in Mahomes’ recovery as the Chiefs determine when he is ready to return to game action.
ALSO SEE:
- Poll: Who Does Better in 2026, Bears or Bengals?
- Can Drew Allar Be the Steelers’ Franchise QB of the Future?
- 2026 Fantasy Football Draft Rankings: Quarterbacks to Win Your League
- Geno Smith Shows A Lot Left to Offer in Opening Drive vs. Steelers
