When the Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay decided to cancel the preseason years ago, sitting all of his starters and most of the key backups, many other head coaches followed suit. More than half of the NFL’s teams They sat 20 or more players last week.
And the coach who keeps winning Super Bowls couldn’t care less about that trend.
Andy Reid sees value in the preseason. His Kansas City Chiefs will get playing time in August. While teams like the Rams won’t dream of playing a QB2 in preseason games, two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes will be there. He might even throw some behind-the-back passes.
Reid sat out Thursday’s preseason finale. Mahomes, who completed 11 of 18 passes for 120 yards this preseason, did not play in Kansas City’s 34-21 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. Kansas City sat most of its starters, while Reid rested his key players. Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams also did not play.
The Chiefs didn’t need to see anything else before the regular season began.
The Chiefs suffered a major injury
The reason teams don’t play their starters in the preseason is obvious: to avoid injuries. The Chiefs didn’t come out of August unscathed.
Receiver Marquise Brown suffered a dislocated sternoclavicular joint in Kansas City’s preseason opener and could miss the start of the regular season. Brown was expected to be a big upgrade for the Chiefs, who struggled to find consistency in their receiving corps last season. Given the reported recovery time of four to six weeks, Brown should be back early this season.
The good news is that the preseason gave everyone a good look at first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy and what he can do. His speed is evident and the Chiefs seem intent on using him a lot. He looks dangerous in the Chiefs’ offense.
The other good news for the Chiefs this offseason was that wide receiver Rashee Rice has yet to receive word from the NFL about a suspension. Rice was arrested on multiple charges due to his involvement in a multi-car accident involving high speeds in Dallas this offseason.
Brown’s injury wasn’t good for the Chiefs, but it’s hard to get through August injury-free, whether you use your starters in the preseason or not. Everything else looked good for the defending champs. They even signed center Creed Humphrey to a new contract that makes him the highest-paid center in the NFL on Thursday night. Good vibes, everyone.
Chiefs ready for regular season
Some players might have been fighting for a roster spot Thursday night, or just for playing time once the season starts. Mecole Hardman, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore were among the receivers who played. Toney had two receptions, while Hardman returned a kick 43 yards and Moore also had a solid 30-yard punt return. Deneric Prince, a second-year running back, also played as he tries to solidify a role, though he had just three digs for -1 yard and a 3-yard reception. Fourth-round safety Jaden Hicks, who could play a big role on some other teams but not the Chiefs, also played Thursday trying to make an impression. He racked up four tackles and a pass deflection.
The Chiefs are trying to figure out who the last few players are on the roster and perhaps a couple of roster decisions. Most of last season’s Super Bowl-winning team is back. The Chiefs have continuity on both sides of the ball and should be in midseason shape for the Week 1 opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Some preseason reps didn’t hurt that, either.
The Chiefs’ preseason ended early for most of the team’s key players. Now they can focus on their march toward history.