Patrick Mahomes May Sit Out All Preseason

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Patrick Mahomes May Sit Out All Preseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Dodson | Last updated Aug 7, 2026 5:48 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes went down in Week 16 of 2025 with a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, which for all intents and purposes, was the final nail in the coffin to the Chiefs' dynasty. Head coach Andy Reid said Friday that Mahomes is unlikely to play in the preseason opener, and he may not play at all this preseason.

"I mean, there's a pretty good chance where I don't play him," Reid said of Mahomes. "[The] percentages are leading that way. I don't know if I'll play him in the second or third game. I don't know that. The percentages probably lean against not doing that."

This isn't an indictment on where he's at in his recovery. In fact, he's probably well ahead of schedule. Mahomes has led the first team-offense in every 11-on-11 period, displaying his accuracy and even improvements with his deep passes. Every practice has also featured a repetition or two of Mahomes scrambling or sprinting out of the pocket to showcase that he can cut and change directions when necessary.

This type of injury is typically nine to 12 months. Mahomes went down Dec. 14, and he's just shy of eight months since the injury. Backup quarterback Justin Fields took the initial 11-on-11 repetitions for the first time in camp, which signaled he's likely to be the starter in the preseason opener Aug. 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Mahomes' work ethic is second to none, and he has said all along his goal is to play in Week 1, which takes place on Monday Night Football against the Denver Broncos Sept. 14. With how involved he has already been, it looks like he'll achieve that goal, devoid of any setbacks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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