Patrick Mahomes is not playing in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Preseason Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because the team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery from last season’s knee injury.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid ruled Mahomes out before Saturday’s game at Raymond James Stadium. The decision appears to be precautionary, with no reported setback in the quarterback’s rehabilitation.
Why Is Patrick Mahomes Out Today?
Mahomes is continuing his recovery from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered in his left knee in December 2025. Although he has returned to practice and participated in 11-on-11 drills during training camp, the Chiefs do not want to expose their franchise quarterback to unnecessary contact in an exhibition game.
Kansas City took the same approach during its preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, when Mahomes and several other established starters did not play.
The Chiefs’ decision is particularly understandable because preseason results do not count toward the regular-season standings. Protecting Mahomes and giving the team’s backup quarterbacks valuable snaps are greater priorities than fielding the strongest possible lineup.
Did Patrick Mahomes Suffer Another Injury?
There is no indication that Mahomes suffered a new injury or experienced a setback.
He has been active during training camp and has taken snaps with Kansas City’s first-team offense. Official Chiefs practice reports have highlighted several strong throws from Mahomes during individual, seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 periods.
His absence against Tampa Bay is therefore best described as injury management rather than evidence of a new medical concern.
Who Is Starting at Quarterback for the Chiefs?
Justin Fields is expected to start at quarterback against the Buccaneers.
Fields, who joined Kansas City during the offseason, will share the available quarterback snaps with rookie Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun. Reid indicated that Fields and Nussmeier would each play roughly a quarter and a half, with Oladokun expected to handle the fourth quarter.
The game gives Kansas City an opportunity to evaluate the depth chart behind Mahomes. Fields completed all four of his passes for 41 yards during his lone series in the preseason opener, while Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 attempts for 98 yards.
Will Patrick Mahomes Be Ready for Week 1?
Mahomes currently appears to be on track to start Kansas City’s regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos on September 14.
His participation in full-team practice periods is an encouraging sign. The remaining question is not whether he can throw or run the offense, but when the Chiefs will be comfortable allowing him to face live contact.
Kansas City could also rest Mahomes during its preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks. Reid has not guaranteed that the quarterback will appear at any point during the 2026 preseason.
Why Resting Mahomes Makes Sense for Kansas City
Mahomes is the most important player on the Chiefs’ roster, and the risks associated with preseason action outweigh the potential benefits while he completes his rehabilitation.
Sitting him allows Kansas City to:
- Reduce the risk of contact around his recovering left knee.
- Keep him healthy for the regular season.
- Give Fields more experience in the Chiefs’ offense.
- Evaluate Nussmeier and Oladokun before final roster decisions.
- Provide additional preseason snaps to reserve offensive players.
Mahomes has already received meaningful work against Kansas City’s defense in training camp, allowing him to prepare for the season in a more controlled environment.
Patrick Mahomes Injury Update: The Bottom Line
Patrick Mahomes is not playing against the Buccaneers because the Chiefs are carefully managing his recovery from a torn ACL and LCL—not because of a newly reported injury.
He has returned to team drills, continues to work with the starting offense and remains on course to play when the regular season begins. Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun will handle the quarterback duties against Tampa Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patrick Mahomes injured?
Mahomes is recovering from the serious left knee injury he sustained in December 2025. There has been no reported new injury or rehabilitation setback ahead of the Buccaneers game.
Why isn’t Mahomes playing against the Bucs?
The Chiefs are resting him as a precaution during the preseason. Kansas City wants to minimize unnecessary contact while his knee continues to recover.
Who is replacing Patrick Mahomes today?
Justin Fields is expected to start. Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun are also scheduled to play.
Will Mahomes play in the 2026 regular-season opener?
Mahomes remains on track to start against the Denver Broncos on September 14, barring a change in his recovery.
Could Mahomes play in the final preseason game?
It remains possible, but Andy Reid has not committed to playing him against the Seattle Seahawks. Kansas City may choose to keep him out for the entire preseason.
Sources: Kansas City Chiefs training-camp report, Chiefs practice update, CBS Sports injury report, KCTV5 quarterback plan