How Chiefs could switch up playing time for Mahomes, others in 2nd preseason game
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs may reduce playing time for Mahomes and starters in second preseason game
- Backup QB Gardner Minshew received most first-team reps during recent practices
- Chiefs aim to evaluate rookies and backups while preserving veteran health in preseason
The Chiefs could shake up their playing-time plans for Patrick Mahomes for the remaining preseason games, starting with Friday’s contest at the Seattle Seahawks.
Coach Andy Reid made that known as the Chiefs concluded the Missouri Western portion of training camp on Wednesday, saying he could alter those plans.
“I’m still figuring out who’s going to play, not play,” Reid said. “There’s a chance I sit a couple of starters, or at least be short with them. We want to make sure we get a good look at these young guys.”
Later, when discussing division of the quarterbacks’ playing time, Reid said, “Pat would be the one that get’s slighted.”
Among other stars who could sit: tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones. But the starting offensive line looking to jell with rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, and second-year left guard Kingsley Suamataia could get plenty of work.
Superstar QB Mahomes and the starting Chiefs offense opened the first preseason game last weekend at the Arizona Cardinals. Mahomes’ playing time lasted three snaps and produced a 1-yard touchdown pass on his only attempt.
Reid said it’s possible Mahomes and other starters who might sit this week could see action in the third preseason game, against the Chicago Bears at home on Aug. 22.
That possible scenario played out in practice on Wednesday. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew got most of the snaps with the first-team offense in 11-on-11 drills. Mahomes worked with the scout team.
Mahomes said he’s good with any decision.
“I got into every single game with the mentality that you don’t know how much you’re going to play, so when you do get reps you maximize those,” Mahomes said. “I’ll go through my normal routine and be ready to go.”
The three-time Super Bowl MVP said he enjoys his time working with non-starters.
“You get to push the envelope a little bit,” Mahomes said. “You’d try different stuff more than you would a regular training camp practice.”
In recent seasons, the Chiefs have used their second preseason game to give starters their most extensive playing time. Last season, Mahomes went six snaps in the first game, 24 in the second and none in the third.
Not playing at Lumen Field in Seattle because of injury Friday will be Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, tight end Jake Briningstool and offensive tackle Ethan Driskell.
Running back Kareem Hunt suffered a quadriceps contusion and “we’re going to see about him,” Reid said.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson returned to practice Wednesday after going through the concussion protocol as the result of a hit against the Cardianls.
This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 12:13 PM.