Chiefs coach signals Mahomes may miss entire preseason after knee surgery

Andy Reid said Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to appear in the Chiefs' preseason opener and could sit out the whole three-game slate after his December knee-ligament surgery.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters that Patrick Mahomes probably will not take the field in the team's preseason debut versus the Rams and may sit out the entire three-game exhibition schedule. Mahomes underwent surgery in December to repair torn ligaments in his left knee, but his rehabilitation has been ahead of plan, and surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper cleared him for unrestricted practice late last month. Reid noted that while Mahomes could be a factor in later games, the likelihood remains low, and the team will rely on backup Justin Fields and seventh-round pick Garrett Nussmeier for quarterback reps.

The Chiefs also have a handful of players nursing injuries, including offensive guard Trey Smith and several defensive and skill-position players, though Reid downplayed any serious long-term concerns. The squad will hold another practice on Saturday before taking Sunday off, continuing to evaluate health and depth ahead of the regular season.