Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback and one of the NFL’s biggest names in 2025, is expected to sit out the team’s preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks tonight. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid indicated that Mahomes and other starters will likely be rested to avoid unnecessary risks ahead of the regular season.
Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP, three-time Super Bowl MVP, and holder of three Super Bowl rings, played briefly in the first preseason game, completing a touchdown pass. However, Reid suggested in a Wednesday interview that Mahomes’ presence on the field tonight is doubtful.
“There’s a good chance he does not (play). There is a chance I sit out a couple of the starters or at least be short with them.” —Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach
“We want to make sure we get a good look at these young guys, so we will just see how it all rolls going forward.” —Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach
Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew II, who joined the Chiefs from the Las Vegas Raiders, is likely to start in Mahomes’ place as he competes with Bailey Zappe for the backup role. The team is using the preseason to evaluate newer players while preserving their core starters.
Mahomes Approaches His Ninth NFL Season with High Hopes
Entering his ninth year in the league, Patrick Mahomes continues to be the cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense. Since taking over as the team’s starting quarterback in his second season, Mahomes has been central to their success and aspirations.
Last season, Mahomes and the Chiefs came within one win of becoming the first team to secure three consecutive Super Bowl championships. Their bid was halted by a powerful Philadelphia Eagles team in Super Bowl LIX, marking only the second Super Bowl defeat of Mahomes’ career.
Following tonight’s preseason game against the Seahawks and a final preseason match against the Chicago Bears, the Chiefs will head into the regular season opener in Brazil against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes aims to build on his eight dominant seasons to lead the Chiefs back to the top of the NFL.
Strategic Preseason Approach Focused on Long-Term Success
The decision to rest Mahomes and several other starters reflects a careful approach by the Chiefs’ coaching staff to minimize injury risk while maximizing opportunities to assess emerging talent. This strategy is common among NFL teams balancing preparation with player health during the preseason.
With Mahomes as the driving force, the Chiefs are positioned to continue their pursuit of another NFL title, with the quarterback’s leadership at Arrowhead Stadium remaining vital to their ambitions. This measured preseason plan hopes to ensure the team is at full strength when the regular season begins in earnest.