The NFL preseason is meant for teams to test out their backups, third-, and fourth-stringers in an attempt to see where the team stands in terms of depth. This is also a time when veteran players can shake off the rust of the offseason. However, not every coach is keen on playing his veteran starters until the third preseason game.
More news: Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Forced to Stop Intrasquad Fight During Practice
That will not be the case for the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Andy Reid has announced that the team plans to play starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and all available offensive starters for at least one quarter during the team’s first preseason game.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid said Patrick Mahomes and the rest of their available offensive starters will play roughly a quarter in Saturday’s preseason opener against the #Jaguars.
Reid has been a believer in playing starters in the preseason. pic.twitter.com/cU3xMSmwWL
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 7, 2024
According to Ari Meirov, “#Chiefs HC Andy Reid said Patrick Mahomes and the rest of their available offensive starters will play roughly a quarter in Saturday’s preseason opener against the #Jaguars. Reid has been a believer in playing starters in the preseason.”
Reid has always been a fan of playing starters during the preseason but most teams also believe in the same thing. The difference is that starters are generally saved until the third “dress rehearsal” preseason game.
Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
The biggest drawback to playing starters early on in the preseason is they are subject to injuries. Injuries can happen at any time in the game of football, but for a starter to get hurt during preseason would be much worse than a backup.
Regardless of the dangers, Coach Reid expects his starters to be on the field for at least one quarter. Though injuries can be the drawback of this strategy, the positive aspect of having starters play means they get valuable reps.
Training camp is one thing, but players need to be on the field to ensure they are getting their timing and chemistry right.
Mahomes has some new offensive weapons to bond with, including newly drafted wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Worthy shocked the NFL world when he set the record for the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine. Worthy ran an official 4.21 seconds, beating the previous record of 4.22 seconds by John Ross III.
The Chiefs were high up on Worthy and traded up into the first round with the Buffalo Bills to draft him with the No. 28 overall pick.
More news: Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Pushes Back Against Narrative That He is ‘Underpaid’
Word around camp is Worthy and Mahomes have already begun to link up in special ways, and the pair playing that out during preseason will be even more paramount.
Though there are three preseason games to play in, Coach Reid is set to play his starters early and often.