Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid has not yet named Patrick Mahomes as the starting quarterback for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes, who sustained a torn ACL on December 14, has participated in training camp, reportedly appearing to be in elite form. However, Reid indicated a cautious approach to his return.
"He's doing great," Reid stated, as reported by the Kansas City Star. "We'll just see. I'm literally taking it day by day. There are no predictions here on anything. But if the doctors and the trainers and everybody that are involved with this give him an OK — and then most of all, if he feels like he can, then we'll address that when we get there. But other than that, these other guys are playing quarterback and doing a nice job with it."
With Mahomes yet to participate in any preseason games, Reid is deferring a final decision. Justin Fields, acquired by the Chiefs as a backup quarterback, has been practicing as the No. 2 option and has seen action in the preseason games. Reid suggested that Fields would be the starter if Mahomes is not medically cleared.
The Chiefs missed the playoffs last season for the first time in Mahomes' career, ending a streak of 10 consecutive postseason appearances dating back to 2014. The team is scheduled to host the Broncos on Monday Night Football to open the upcoming season.