Chiefs HC Andy Reid makes final Patrick Mahomes preseason decision

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made the final call Wednesday on quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ status for Friday’s preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium, with the two-time MVP set to remain sidelined.

Mahomes has been recovering from the torn knee ligaments he suffered on Dec. 14, 2025. Although he has participated throughout the offseason program and training camp, Friday will be the first preseason in his entire career in which he does not appear in a game. His previous missed preseason came in 2020, when the NFL canceled all exhibition games.

The Chiefs have consistently expected Mahomes to remain out during this year’s preseason, with his focus now on returning for the regular season. Kansas City opens its regular season against the Denver Broncos in a Monday night matchup on Sept. 14, which is expected to be the 30-year-old’s first game action since his injury.

With Mahomes unavailable, Reid also indicated that Justin Fields is unlikely to play against the Seahawks. Instead, rookie Garrett Nussmeier is set to receive the starting assignment and could handle the entire game.

Nussmeier, selected No. 249 overall in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has taken first-team offensive reps during practice this week while Mahomes has worked with the scout team. The rookie completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards against the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason opener before going 9-for-17 for 74 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass, but he has also helped produce the Chiefs’ only touchdown of the preseason.

Chris Oladokun remains in concussion protocol and is ruled out, removing another quarterback option for Friday. If he cannot return, Nussmeier could play all four quarters, with Fields available if an injury forces a change.

Reid also did not confirmed whether wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will play. Rice is returning from offseason knee surgery, while Worthy has been dealing with a shoulder injury suffered during training camp. Running back Kenneth Walker III is also unlikely to play after missing practice time because of a swollen ankle.

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