Cardinals, Chiefs Open 2025 Preseason With Starters Playing Quarter

The Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs will face off in the 2025 preseason opener at State Farm Stadium, with both teams planning to feature their starters for limited playing time. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to play only about one quarter, following head coach Andy Reid's long-standing preseason strategy, with backups Gardner Minshew, Bailey Zappe, and Chris Oladokun taking over thereafter. The Cardinals, led by coach Jonathan Gannon, will also play their starters including Kyler Murray, aiming to test themselves against one of the NFL's elite teams and gauge their progress following a tough training camp. Key players to watch include Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is looking to improve on a disappointing rookie season, and rookie cornerback Will Johnson, both hoping to translate training camp performance into game action. The matchup serves primarily as a competitive tune-up and evaluation opportunity rather than a predictor of regular season success, with both teams mindful of avoiding injuries while sharpening readiness. Despite the Chiefs' historical dominance over the Cardinals and their status as Super Bowl contenders, the Cardinals are optimistic about the chances to challenge them and gain valuable experience early in the preseason.