Andy Reid Confirms Patrick Mahomes' Status for Chiefs Preseason Opener
Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirms Patrick Mahomes' status for Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams.
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off their preseason season on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium. A major uncertainty surrounding the matchup is the availability of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has been practicing extensively following a torn ACL and LCL injury in the previous NFL season. Head coach Andy Reid announced on Thursday that Mahomes will not participate in the game, with backup quarterbacks Justin Fields, Chris Oladokun, and rookie Garrett Nussmeier taking his place.
Despite Mahomes' impressive recovery and lack of limitations, this likely precautionary move ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 season. Following the Saturday game, the Chiefs will visit Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers and close out the preseason against the Seattle Seahawks in Kansas City, providing more opportunities for the backups to gain experience under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's system.
Fields will serve as Mahomes' primary backup, while the third-string spot is up for grabs between Oladokun and Nussmeier. Many expect the Chiefs to enter the regular season with just three quarterbacks, potentially resulting in one of the three being cut.
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