Despite participating in every training camp practice this summer, Patrick Mahomes isn't a lock to play this preseason.
Mahomes suffered a torn ALC and LCL in his left knee towards the end of the 2025 season. Luckily for the Kansas City Chiefs, the face of their franchise made an incredible recovery and should have a legitimate chance to play Week 1 against the Denver Broncos on "Monday Night Football."
Chiefs coach Andy Reid, however, said it's unlikely Mahomes will suit up for their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 15.
"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."
© Amy Kontras-Imagn Images.
Mahomes understands why the Chiefs are being cautious, but make no mistake, the competitor in him wants to battle with the NFC powerhouse.
"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."
Who'll play QB for the Chiefs?
If Mahomes doesn't suit up for the preseason, Justin Fields would most likely get the first-team reps. He's coming off a 2025 season where he had 1,259 passing yards, 383 rushing yards and seven touchdown passes.
The Chiefs also have a veteran backup in Chris Oladokun and rookie in Garrett Nussmeier. The latter had a nice career at LSU, throwing for 7,699 yards with 52 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
Of course, the Chiefs will need Mahomes at full strength if they're going to contend for a playoff spot during the regular season.
