Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid indicated on August 7, 2026, that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play in the preseason as he recovers from a torn ACL and LCL. Mahomes has received full medical clearance to participate in training camp.
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid delivered an assessment of the team’s quarterback room and injury report during a news conference on Friday, August 7, 2026. While Mahomes has received full medical clearance to participate in all training camp activities at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, the coaching staff plans to exercise caution.
Preseason Plans and Quarterback Reps
Reid was asked specifically about Mahomes starting in the team’s first preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Rams scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. The veteran coach expressed doubt regarding game action for the 30-year-old quarterback.
“There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him. Percentages are leaning that way. And I don’t know if I’ll play him the second or third game. I don’t know that. But percentages probably lean against doing that, and letting the other guys. … We’ve got new people in those other positions behind him that need some work. The more reps they get, the better.”
The Chiefs acquired Justin Fields in a trade with the Jets in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to serve as the primary backup. Seventh-round rookie Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun are also competing for roster spots behind Mahomes on the 90-man offseason roster.
Recovery Timeline and Medical Clearance
Mahomes continues working his way back from a major left knee injury sustained on December 14, 2025, during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Dr. Dan Cooper performed surgery in Dallas the following evening to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, an injury that prematurely ended his 2025 season and kept the team out of the playoffs.
Despite missing the final stretch of a difficult 6-11 campaign, Mahomes progressed through rehabilitation at a faster-than-expected pace. Acting offensive coordinator Joe Bleymaier noted during training camp that any physical limitations stemming from the knee appeared nonexistent
during early drills.
Training Camp Injury Updates
Alongside the update on their starting quarterback, Reid addressed a lengthy list of injuries affecting the roster during the ninth full-team practice of camp. Right guard Trey Smith missed his first practice of the summer due to hip soreness and was sent to a specialist as a precautionary measure.
Other roster members managing physical setbacks include linebacker Jeffrey Bassa with a groin issue, defensive end Ashton Gillotte dealing with a hamstring injury, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed managing a knee condition, and linebacker Drue Tranquill experiencing low-back tightness. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy also continued making progress recovering from a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Rashee Rice and cornerback Mansoor Delane both logged positive work during the session. Delane participated while wearing a gold non-contact jersey.
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