Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid wouldn’t guarantee that Patrick Mahomes will play in the 2026 preseason as the 30-year-old quarterback continues to recover from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee.
Reid was asked about Mahomes’ status for the Chiefs’ first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams during a Friday, Aug. 7 news conference.
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“There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him,” Reid said, referencing the matchup against the Rams. “Percentages are leaning that way.”
Reid then took it a step further, indicating the Chiefs could have Mahomes sit out all three of their preseason games even as the veteran looks to achieve his goal of being back on the field by Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
“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,” Reid added. “We’ve got new people in those other positions behind him that need some work, and so the more reps they get, the better.”
The Chiefs have two new quarterbacks among the four on their 90-man offseason roster. They traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for Justin Fields to serve as the backup behind Mahomes while seventh-round rookie Garrett Nussmeier is expected to battle Chris Oladokun for the third-string role in Kansas City.
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Though the Chiefs appear to be exercising caution with Mahomes, all signs point to the veteran quarterback being ready for the start of the season. He was cleared to practice fully at the start of training camp and both Reid and Mahomes himself have routinely expressed optimism about the progress he made in his recovery during the offseason.
So, even if Mahomes doesn’t suit up in the preseason, he could still be in position to start the team’s season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Patrick Mahomes play in preseason? Andy Reid provides update on Chiefs QB
