Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is taking a day-by-day approach to Patrick Mahomes' recovery from a torn ACL, tempering expectations about the star quarterback's availability for Week 1. While Mahomes has made significant progress since the injury in December, Reid stated he is not ready to commit to him starting the season opener.
"He's doing great," Reid said, according to the Kansas City Star. "We'll just see. I'm literally taking it day by day. There are no predictions here on anything."
Reid emphasized that the decision will hinge on clearance from doctors and trainers, and ultimately, Mahomes' own assessment of his condition. "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," Reid added.
If Mahomes is not cleared to play, the Chiefs are prepared to start former Jets quarterback Justin Fields, who was acquired as an insurance policy during Mahomes' recovery. Fields has assumed the backup role and has played in both of the Chiefs' preseason games. Mahomes, however, has not yet participated in any preseason action.
The Chiefs have one remaining preseason game before their regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. The team's postseason streak of 10 consecutive appearances was broken after Mahomes' injury last season.