Andy Reid raises doubts about Patrick Mahomes' starting status for Week 1: Trouble ahead for the Chiefs?
Mahomes wanted to play against Tampa Bay, but Kansas City is still taking no chances with its star quarterback
Patrick Mahomes has cleared almost every hurdle the Kansas City Chiefs could reasonably have hoped for this summer. What he still hasn't received is a promise that he will start Week 1.
Mahomes has practiced throughout training camp while continuing his recovery from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered late in the 2025 season.
He avoided opening camp on the physically unable to perform list, has not missed a rep and has repeatedly sounded confident about being ready when the Chiefs open the regular season against the Denver Broncos on September 14.
Andy Reid , though, isn't ready to make that declaration.
“He’s doing great,” Reid said. “We’ll just see. I’m literally taking it day by day. There are no predictions here on anything.”
The Chiefs coach said the final call will come down to medical clearance and how Mahomes feels as the opener approaches.
“But if the doctors and the trainers and everybody that are involved with this give him an OK, and then most of all, if he feels like he can, then we’ll address that when we get there,” Reid added.
Mahomes wanted preseason action
Mahomes didn't play in Kansas City’s first two exhibition games, even though he made clear during Saturday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he wanted to get on the field.
Reid confirmed Monday that his quarterback had pushed to play: “Yeah, he wants to play every weekend,” Reid said.
Asked whether Mahomes had actually been medically cleared for the game, the coach offered a revealing answer.
“Yeah, you know,” Reid said. “Probably not cleared enough. We’re trending (in) that direction.”
He added: “I feel great. I’m getting more and more athletic every single time I’m on the football field, and that’s all you can ask for.”
The three-time Super Bowl champion has also said he is “extremely confident” he will be ready for the opener if his rehabilitation continues on its current path.
Chiefs refuse to rush final decision
While Mahomes works toward full clearance, Kansas City has continued preparing its other quarterbacks as though they could be needed.
Justin Fields has started both preseason games, while rookie Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun have also received snaps.
“But other than that, these other guys are playing quarterback and doing a nice job with it,” Reid said.
There's been no reported setback in Mahomes ’ recovery, and his uninterrupted participation in camp remains the most encouraging sign for Kansas City.
Still, Reid is choosing caution over certainty. If the medical staff clears Mahomes and the quarterback feels ready, it's difficult to imagine anyone else taking the first snap against Denver.
Until then, the Chiefs are treating the most important injury on their roster exactly as they have all summer, just one day at a time.
