Patrick Mahomes has spent training camp getting himself closer to full strength after a major knee injury ended his 2025 season. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has been back on the practice field and has continued progressing, giving the team optimism that he will be ready when the games actually count.
His progress, however, has not changed Andy Reid’s approach to preseason football. Mahomes will not play against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, with Reid confirming the decision ahead of the opener. Justin Fields, rookie Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun will instead divide the quarterback snaps (via Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen).
MORE: Patrick Mahomes reveals knee injury progress as Chiefs QB eyes Week 1 return
Why is Patrick Mahomes not playing today?
Mahomes is being held out as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee that he suffered last December. There has been no reported setback that prompted Saturday’s decision. Reid has consistently indicated that the Chiefs would be cautious with their franchise quarterback during the preseason, particularly with the regular season still ahead.
“There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him. The percentages are leading that way. I’m not sure I’ll play him in the second or third game,” Reid told ESPN’s Nate Taylor on Aug. 7.
Mahomes was cleared for full-team practice and has been working toward his preferred target of being ready for Week 1.
When will patrick mahomes return?
As of this writing, there is no confirmed date for Mahomes’ preseason return. Reid has not committed to playing him in either of Kansas City’s remaining exhibition games, meaning the Chiefs could keep him out of the entire preseason if they believe that is the safest approach.
Kansas City’s next preseason game is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 22, followed by the finale against the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 28. The bigger target is Sept. 14, when the Chiefs open the regular season at home against the Denver Broncos.
It remains to be seen if he will see some preseason action or if the Chiefs will keep him out until the start of the regular season.
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