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Reid Keeps Week 1 Decision on Patrick Mahomes Day by Day

Medical clearance by Chiefs doctors with a successful live-contact test will determine whether Mahomes starts the Sept. 14 opener.

Overview

  • Coach Andy Reid said on Tuesday he will make no Week 1 declaration for Mahomes and is treating availability on a day-by-day basis pending input from doctors and trainers.
  • Mahomes has been fully cleared to practice since July and told reporters he is following a nine-month rehab plan that targets the Sept. 14 opener.
  • The quarterback has taken every training-camp rep but has not played in any preseason games, so he has not yet faced full game contact or taken live hits.
  • Justin Fields, acquired as roster insurance, has taken live preseason snaps and would be expected to start if team doctors do not clear Mahomes to play.
  • The decisive factors before the opener are continued pain-free practice progress, a medical sign-off that trusts the repaired ACL and LCL under contact, and no setbacks in the remaining practices before Week 1, which also affects the Chiefs’ short-term game plan after missing the playoffs last season.