Chiefs Plan Quarterly Play for Mahomes, Other QBs in Preseason Opener

The Kansas City Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid, plan to play star quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the entire first quarter of their 2025 preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, continuing Reid's usual approach of rotating all four quarterbacks through the game. This decision carries significant risk given Mahomes' value and the Chiefs' offensive line uncertainties, including rookie left tackle Josh Simmons recovering from injury and left guard Kingsley Suamataia's previous struggles in pass protection. Despite concerns about preseason injuries to key players in recent years, Mahomes expressed excitement about facing real game competition against a strong Cardinals defense, viewing it as a necessary step to improve after the Chiefs' lopsided Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Fans and analysts remain divided on the wisdom of playing Mahomes in the preseason, with some fearing injury and others trusting Reid's process and the importance of early preparation for the regular season. Mahomes himself acknowledged the need to elevate his performance this year to help the team reclaim championship form. Overall, the Chiefs are balancing the risk of injury against the reward of readiness as they aim to bounce back from their Super Bowl defeat.