
Andy Reid offered a clear update on Patrick Mahomes this week. The Chiefs coach spoke with reporters about his star quarterback’s preseason status. Mahomes continues recovering from a torn ACL and LCL suffered late last season.
Reid left little doubt about the opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 15.
“There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him,” he said. “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.”
The coach also sounded hesitant about the rest of the preseason schedule. He noted the team has new players behind Mahomes who need work. Giving them snaps takes priority right now.
Mahomes has participated fully in training camp practices. He wears a brace on the surgically repaired left knee but has shown strong progress. The three-time Super Bowl champion remains on track for Week 1 against Denver.
Reid emphasized the need for mobility and confidence in the knee. He said Mahomes works daily on that aspect of his game. Still, the percentages lean against exhibition action.
Mahomes himself has stayed flexible on the issue. He said he will prepare as if he is playing but understands the regular season matters most. The coaches and doctors will make the final call.
“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.”
The decision reflects caution after a significant injury. Kansas City wants its franchise quarterback fully ready for the regular season. Backup options, including Justin Fields, will handle the preseason workload.
Reid has also addressed other team topics recently, including Travis Kelce’s conditioning. The coach continues managing multiple storylines as camp progresses.
Mahomes’ recovery has impressed the organization so far. The careful approach with preseason snaps aims to protect that progress. Fans will watch closely as the exhibition schedule unfolds and the focus shifts toward the September opener.
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