Patrick Mahomes won’t be suiting up for the Kansas City Chiefs’ pre-season clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Andy Reid himself just confirmed the decision. This comes after Mahomes also missed their opening pre-season loss, a 12-20 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams. Talk about playing it safe, even when the guy is reportedly looking sharp!
Reid’s Calculated Caution for His Franchise QB
Reid’s decision to bench Mahomes again is all about protecting his franchise quarterback, and honestly, who can blame him after what went down? Mahomes is still working his way back from a nasty knee injury. Remember that December 14, 2025, game against the Los Angeles Chargers? Mahomes was scrambling in the fourth quarter, an awkward hit buckled his left knee. Tests confirmed a complete tear of the ACL and significant LCL damage. He underwent dual-ligament reconstruction surgery and has been recovering for a full seven months. No wonder they’re being super cautious!
Instead of Mahomes, Justin Fields will start, playing into the second quarter. Trey Smith, Josh Simmons, and Ashton Gillotte are also sitting out, per ESPN. Reid hinted at this, saying he’d likely sit Mahomes for the first pre-season game, and wasn’t sure about the second or third either. He wants “new people in those other positions behind him that need some work.”
Cleared, But Still On The Sidelines? What Gives?
Here’s the wild part: Mahomes was fully cleared for 11-on-11 contact at the start of training camp back on July 24, 2026! Teammates even say he looks incredibly sharp, showing “zero limitations,” though he’s wearing a brace on his left knee. So, while he’s reportedly good to go, keeping him out of at least two pre-season games just removes any risk of contact before the real thing. It’s the ultimate bubble wrap strategy.
After Tampa Bay, the Chiefs are set to host *our* Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, August 28. While Mahomes might still be on the sidelines for that one, the real date that matters for Kansas City is September 14. That’s when he’s expected under center for their regular season opener against the Denver Broncos. You know our Seahawks defense, led by Coach Macdonald, will be absolutely *hyped* to face him, pre-season or not!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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