Chiefs Announce Final Decision on Patrick Mahomes as Preseason Begins

August 13, 2026 - 18:51

The Kansas City Chiefs have made their intentions clear for the start of the preseason, with head coach Andy Reid announcing on Thursday that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not see any playing time in the team's first exhibition game. The decision comes as no surprise to those who have followed the franchise's approach in recent years, as the coaching staff has consistently prioritized protecting their most valuable asset during the meaningless summer slate.

Reid confirmed the plan during his media availability, stating that the team wants to get a long look at the other quarterbacks on the roster while giving Mahomes extra time to prepare for the regular season. The reigning AFC champions open their preseason schedule this weekend, and all eyes will be on how the backup battle shapes up behind the two-time league MVP. With Mahomes firmly entrenched as the starter, the competition for the number two spot becomes the primary storyline for fans to watch in the coming weeks.

The Chiefs have a history of being cautious with their starters in the preseason, and this year appears to be no different. Mahomes will continue to practice with the first-team offense, but his game action will be saved for when the results actually count. The team's decision underscores their confidence in their offensive system and their belief that Mahomes does not need live reps to be ready for the season opener. Kansas City will likely ease him back into game speed during the final preseason contest, if at all, before the real games begin.