In preparation for their upcoming preseason game against the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid revealed that Patrick Mahomes and most of the starters are expected to play through most of the first half. However, Carson Wentz might also see some action with the first-team offense.
Mahomes had a solid performance in the Chiefs’ preseason opener against Jacksonville, going 3 of 4 for 27 yards and helping set up a field goal on their first possession. The team typically plans for Mahomes to play into the second quarter of the second preseason game before resting during the third exhibition game leading up to the season opener on Sept. 5 against Baltimore.
Following the game against the Lions, the Chiefs will continue their training camp at their facility in Kansas City. Coach Reid expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress during camp, emphasizing the growth seen in the players and their physical conditioning for the upcoming season.
Reid announced that right tackle Jawaan Taylor would miss the Lions game due to a shoulder injury, with Lucas Niang expected to fill in for him. Additionally, veteran left guard Joe Thuney will not be rushed back for a preseason game after recovering from a pectoral injury that kept him out of the Super Bowl.
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and safety Bryan Cook missed practice sessions due to illness and personal reasons, respectively. Wide receiver Marquise Brown is also sidelined after sustaining a shoulder injury similar to one that previously affected Tyreek Hill, but fortunately does not require surgery.
With Brown’s status uncertain for Week 1, the Chiefs are turning to veteran wide receiver Justin Watson, who Mahomes praised for his versatility and knowledge of the offense. Mahomes expressed confidence in the team’s depth to fill the gap left by Brown’s absence.
Reflecting on the training camp in St. Joseph, Mahomes highlighted the competitiveness and balance between offense and defense as the standout aspects. The quarterback emphasized the benefits of facing challenges from both sides of the ball to elevate the team’s performance.
Overall, as the Chiefs aim for a record third consecutive Super Bowl championship, Mahomes and Reid are pleased with the team’s progress and readiness following the training camp in St. Joseph.