What KC Chiefs’ Andy Reid said about Patrick Mahomes’ playing time in preseason finale
The Kansas City Chiefs are in final preparations for Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers on GEHA Field at Arrowhead.
The team’s plan, though, might not include quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Tuesday touched on how he would approach the matchup, but he was non-committal on how much, if any, Mahomes will play.
“We’ll see,” Reid said. “He’s been practicing, so how long and all, I haven’t made up my mind on all that. He’s been going and doing everything.”
The Chiefs might not need to see Mahomes in action after his two efficient performances in preseason games.
Mahomes saw limited playing time, as is the nature of the preseason, but he made the most of it by completing 18 of 26 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns in three possessions. All three of his touchdown passes went to tight ends.
If Mahomes doesn’t play Thursday night, the Chiefs are likely to give Chad Henne the start, with Shane Beuchele and rookie Dustin Crum standing by for playing time.
There is a wait-and-see approach for Mahomes, but final preseason games tend to feature mostly backup players vying for a roster spot once starters — if they play — leave the field. And it’s a chance for the backups to make their final case to be part of the Chiefs’ initial 53-player roster or an audition for another team.
“The second group and third group, just continue to gain experience and execution — you’re always trying to keep a tight eye on,” Reid said. “It’s a great opportunity for those guys to get some playing time.
“We had a cut this week, so we’re down numbers. We got a couple of injuries, so guys have opportunities to play. Whether they make it here or somewhere else, they have valuable tape.”
