Chiefs announce Patrick Mahomes decision for preseason Week 1 vs. Rams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Kansas City Chiefs are getting Patrick Mahomes back for the 2026 season after losing him late last year due to a season-ending injury. Getting Mahomes back as soon as possible is key to the Chiefs' success, and fortunately, it looks like he's trending in the right direction. But, for the time being, Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen shared that Andy Reid has made a decision about Mahomes playing in the preseason opener: Mahomes will not suit up for Kansas City just yet. Chiefs make Patrick Mahomes decision for preseason opener "Patrick Mahomes will not play on Saturday, per Coach Reid," McMullen reports. "Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun will split up the game." This report shouldn't come as a huge surprise, as playing Mahomes during the preseason would be risking injury when the games don't matter. As long as he's good to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday night against the Denver Broncos, it's all good for Mahomes and the Chiefs. Starting in his place will be veteran quarterback and offseason trade pickup Justin Fields. Late-round steal Garrett Nnussmeier will also see some action, as will Chis Oladokun, who played a bit last season for Kansas City. MORE: ESPN analyst predicts Josh Allen is already a Hall of Famer despite lack of Bills playoff success This shouldn't come as a surprise, but it's still noteworthy that Mahomes won't be playing in the first game of the preseason. It will be very interesting to see if the Chiefs decide to play him at all this August, as they could rest him until Week 1 without any problems. But, at least for now, Mahomes will be sidelined for the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Fans will have to wait a little while longer to see the future Hall of Fame QB suit back up for the Chiefs after his serious knee injury last season. More NFL news:
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