Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has provided an update about Patrick Mahomes as the quarterback continues to recover from a torn ACL and LCL sustained last season.
Videos by FanBuzz
While Mahomes is currently on track to suit up for Week 1 of the 2026-27 NFL season, fans should not expect to see him knock off the rust during a preseason game. Reid hasn't fully made the decision, but he continues to lean toward keeping the veteran out of the lineup as a precaution.
"There's a pretty good chance I don't play him. Percentages are leading that way," Reid said, per The Athletic. "And I don't know if I'll play him the second or third game.
"I don't know that. But percentages probably lean against doing that, and letting the other guys. ...We've got new people in those other positions behind him that need some work. The more reps they get, the better."
The Chiefs kick off the preseason on Saturday, Aug. 15. They will host the Rams at 4 p.m. ET. The preseason will then continue with a visit to the Buccaneers on Saturday, Aug. 22. This game will be at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The third preseason game will be against the Seahawks on Saturday, Aug. 28. The game will take place at 8 p.m. ET.
Mahomes underwent surgery in December 2025. He has since been cleared for activity, and he has taken part in training camp practice sessions. He has dropped back and thrown passes to his receivers while appearing to avoid any setbacks.
The three-time Super Bowl champion has previously played in preseason games while explaining that he likes to take a hit before the regular season starts. He doesn't know if he will have the opportunity while recovering from the knee injury, which he addressed in late July during a press conference.
"I think we'll just see when we get there," Mahomes said. "I'm a competitor, so game day, I'm going to want to be out there.
"But I understand the process of getting myself ready to play in the regular season is more important. But we will see. The coaches and (doctors) will make that decision for me, but I'll prepare myself like I'm going to play."
Still, Reid will mostly likely keep him sidelined to avoid the possibility of another injury during the preseason. This means that the other two main quarterback options — veteran Justin Fields and rookie Garrett Nussmeier — will likely see the bulk of playing time in these three games.
The first time that Mahomes potentially takes the field is Monday, Sept. 14, when the Chiefs host the rival Broncos on Monday Night Football.
