Reid: Mahomes unlikely for preseason opener
Although Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has participated in every part of training camp, coach Andy Reid acknowledged Friday that he will likely not have him play in the team's preseason opener next week against the Rams.
The decision by Andy Reid to likely hold Patrick Mahomes out of the preseason opener is a strategic move that prioritizes the quarterback's health and safety above all else. This approach is not uncommon in the NFL, where coaches often err on the side of caution when it comes to their star players, especially during the preseason. By keeping Mahomes out of the opener, Reid is minimizing the risk of injury and ensuring that his quarterback is fresh and ready to go for the regular season.
This move also speaks to the level of trust that Reid has in his backup quarterbacks, who will likely see extended playing time in the preseason opener. It will be interesting to see how they perform and whether they can provide a spark for the Chiefs' offense. From a coaching perspective, this is an opportunity for Reid to evaluate his backups and see how they handle game situations, which will be invaluable in terms of preparing for the regular season.
As the preseason progresses, it will be worth watching to see how Mahomes is utilized and whether he sees any game action. Reid's decision to hold him out of the opener may set the tone for the rest of the preseason, and it will be interesting to see how other coaches around the league approach the preseason with their own star players. Will they follow a similar strategy, or will they take a more aggressive approach and play their starters earlier and more often? The preseason is always a time of experimentation and evaluation, and this decision by Reid is just the beginning of what promises to be an intriguing few weeks.
Originally reported by espn.com. CoachNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.