Mahomes Unlikely for Chiefs' Preseason Opener vs. Rams
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Andy Reid said Friday there is a 'pretty good chance' Patrick Mahomes does not play in the Chiefs' preseason opener next week against the Los Angeles Rams, and added the 'percentages lean against' playing him in the second or third preseason game either.
- Mahomes underwent surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, but has participated in every part of training camp and led the first-team offense in every 11-on-11 period, showing accuracy and improved deep passes, most targeting receiver Tyquan Thornton.
- Mahomes, a nine-year veteran, has never missed the entire preseason before in his career.
- Mahomes said he made it his mission since January to be the starter for the Chiefs' season opener Sept. 14 against the Denver Broncos on 'Monday Night Football,' telling reporters he understands 'the process of getting myself ready to play in the regular season is more important.'
- Reid had backup quarterback Justin Fields work the first-team 11-on-11 repetitions in Thursday's non-padded practice for the first time in camp, noting that 'new people behind [Mahomes] that need some work' alongside rookie Garrett Nussmeier.
- Reid had previously given no public indication Mahomes would sit the opener until Thursday's practice, when Fields got the first-team reps.
Why it matters: Sitting Mahomes for the full preseason would mark a first in his nine-year career and shifts crucial evaluation reps to backup Justin Fields and rookie Garrett Nussmeier, whose performance during camp directly shapes the Chiefs' contingency plan behind a QB still eight months removed from major knee surgery.
