Patrick Mahomes is not playing for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Los Angeles Rams in their 2026 preseason opener. The decision is primarily a precaution as the quarterback continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in December 2025.
Mahomes has returned to practice and participated in 11-on-11 drills during training camp, but Kansas City has little incentive to expose its franchise quarterback to contact in an exhibition game. The Chiefs’ priority is preparing him for the regular season—not testing his knee during Preseason Week 1.
Why is Patrick Mahomes out against the Rams?
Mahomes is being held out as part of the Chiefs’ cautious approach to his knee rehabilitation. There has been no indication that his absence is connected to a new injury or recent setback.
Although Mahomes was cleared to participate fully at training camp, clearance to practice does not necessarily mean the Chiefs want him taking live hits. Preseason games carry injury risk without affecting the regular-season standings.
Head coach Andy Reid previously suggested there was a strong possibility Mahomes would not play in the preseason. Reid also left open the possibility that the quarterback could miss all three exhibition games.
Is Patrick Mahomes still injured?
Mahomes is still completing the final stages of his recovery, but he has made significant progress.
He participated in 11-on-11 drills during training camp and has been working to rebuild his timing with Kansas City’s receivers. Reid said Mahomes looked strong and was moving his feet well during practice.
His absence against Los Angeles therefore appears to be planned injury management—not evidence that his rehabilitation has gone backward.
Will Mahomes play at all during the preseason?
It remains possible that Mahomes will sit throughout the entire 2026 preseason.
The Chiefs could give him a limited series later in the preseason, but Reid has indicated that the team may decide against playing him in any exhibition game. Kansas City can instead use controlled practices to evaluate his mobility and conditioning while limiting unnecessary contact.
Sitting Mahomes also gives the Chiefs’ backup quarterbacks valuable game experience before the regular season begins.
Will Patrick Mahomes be ready for the regular-season opener?
Mahomes has consistently said his goal is to play in Kansas City’s Week 1 regular-season game against the Denver Broncos on September 14.
The Chiefs have not offered an unconditional guarantee that he will start, as the final decision will depend on the team’s coaches and medical staff. Nevertheless, Mahomes’ return to full training-camp participation is an encouraging sign.
Protecting him against the Rams gives him nearly another month to prepare for the Denver game.
Chiefs taking no unnecessary risks with Mahomes
Mahomes is the centerpiece of Kansas City’s offense and one of the NFL’s most valuable players. There is little competitive benefit to using him extensively in an early preseason contest, especially following major knee surgery.
The Chiefs can evaluate their younger players and backup quarterbacks against the Rams while Mahomes continues preparing in a more controlled environment.
Bottom line
Patrick Mahomes is not playing against the Rams because the Chiefs are managing his return from a torn ACL and prioritizing his availability for the regular season.
His absence is precautionary and does not currently appear to be the result of a new injury. The most important date remains September 14, when Kansas City opens its regular season against Denver.
Sources: Kansas City Chiefs training-camp report and NFL.com’s Mahomes recovery update.