Patrick Mahomes continues to work his way back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season, but the Kansas City Chiefs remain confident in his progress heading into the 2026 season. Mahomes has participated fully in training camp after being cleared to practice and has continued his rehabilitation.
Mahomes will not play Saturday when the Chiefs visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second preseason game. Andy Reid has previously indicated that the percentages leaned against Mahomes playing in the preseason (via ESPN’s Nate Taylor). The quarterback also sat out Kansas City’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, a 20-12 Chiefs loss.
Reid has not ruled out Mahomes playing in the preseason finale, but there is no indication that the Chiefs intend to rush him back.
Chiefs Facing QB Decision Amid Patrick Mahomes’ Recovery
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Mahomes remains on track for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, with his preseason absence being treated as a precaution rather than evidence of a setback.
The Chiefs’ quarterback situation has also drawn attention as they prepare for the regular season. With Mahomes progressing in his recovery, Justin Fields and rookie Garrett Nussmeier have both impressed during training camp and preseason. Kansas City selected Nussmeier in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, while Fields was acquired from the New York Jets in March.
Assistant general manager Mike Bradway told reporters Wednesday that the Chiefs could keep three quarterbacks on their final roster, but stressed that the decision would not be driven by concerns about Mahomes’ recovery. Instead, Bradway pointed to the performances of Fields and Nussmeier as a reason the team could retain both behind its franchise quarterback.
For Saturday’s matchup with Tampa Bay, Mahomes will continue watching from the sideline while Fields and Nussmeier handle the quarterback work. Fields took first-team reps during the final week of camp and all signs point to him becoming Kansas City’s QB2 when the team releases its 53-man roster on Aug. 30.
