Will Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes play in Week 1?

Will Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes play in Week 1?

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Will Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes play in Week 1?

Patrick Mahomes will watch from the sidelines for the third straight game Friday when the Kansas City Chiefs face the Seattle Seahawks in their preseason finale.

The decision was expected after Mahomes returned to full participation in training camp following surgery to repair torn ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee. Kansas City has also been deliberate about giving its other quarterbacks opportunities, with Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier and the currently-injured Chris Oladokun competing for reps behind the two-time NFL MVP.

Mahomes has continued to practice without a reported setback, and the updates on his recovery have been increasingly positive.

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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes expected to start in Week 1

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid pre game against the Jets at

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and head coach Andy Reid. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Chiefs have not officially cleared Mahomes for the Sept. 14 opener against the Denver Broncos, but the latest signs point toward him being ready.

“This has always been the plan: is get be ready for training camp, get all the reps in training camp, prepare your body that way, so that when you get to week one, you’re ready to play the game and you’ve had the right amount of time off,” Mahomes said Tuesday, speaking to reporters, (via KMBC’s Nick Sloan).

On Monday, Reid remained cautious when asked about Mahomes’ availability. “He’s doing great,” Reid said. “We’ll just see. I’m literally taking it day by day. There are no predictions here on anything.”

Reid added that Mahomes must receive clearance from the doctors and trainers and feel ready himself before the team makes the final decision.  

The Chiefs have not announced Mahomes’ return date officially. However, all signs point to the the two-time league MVP taking the field when Kansas City hosts Denver on “Monday Night Football.”

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