Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Starters to Take the Field in Preseason Clash with Cardinals

Published: August 8, 2025, 14:30 (U.S. Eastern Time)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be among several starters playing in the team’s preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, as head coach Andy Reid sticks with his long-standing approach of giving key players early game action.

While some NFL teams opt to rest their starters to avoid injury risk, Reid believes limited preseason reps help his players prepare both mentally and physically for the regular season.

Mahomes Welcomes Early-Game Action

Speaking after Thursday’s practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, Mahomes acknowledged he isn’t eager to take big hits — but he sees value in shaking off the offseason rust.

“I don’t necessarily look forward to getting hit,” Mahomes said with a smile. “There’s always a little shock, but it helps me get into the right mindset for the season.”

Kansas City’s plan is to have Mahomes lead the offense for the first quarter, followed by Gardner Minshew in the second, Bailey Zappe in the third, and Chris Oladokun in the fourth. The rest of the starting unit is expected to follow a similar rotation, potentially playing only one series if the initial drive goes smoothly.

Focus on Offensive Line Development

One of the Chiefs’ main objectives in the preseason opener is evaluating their restructured offensive line. First-round draft pick Josh Simmons has impressed early in camp at left tackle, while Kingsley Suamataia appears to be the leading candidate to replace two-time All-Pro Joe Thuney at left guard.

Kansas City has invested heavily in its offensive front in recent seasons, using both high draft picks and significant free-agent contracts. The left side, in particular, became an offseason priority following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss in February, where protection breakdowns proved costly.

Receiver Competition Intensifies

The Chiefs will also use Saturday’s game to assess depth at wide receiver. With Rashee Rice sidelined by a groin injury and Marquise Brown nursing an ankle issue, younger players and roster hopefuls could see extended snaps with the first-team offense.

Mahomes offered advice to those stepping into bigger roles:

“Go out there and do what you’ve been doing all camp,” he said. “It’s a bigger stage against another team, but Coach Reid prepares us better than anybody. We practice hard and fast, so when we get to the game, it’s not that big of a jump.”

Cardinals Also Playing Starters

Arizona is taking a similar approach. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed earlier this week that his starters, including quarterback Kyler Murray, will take the field in the opener.

“I told them Monday night that they are going to play,” Gannon said. “We’re at a good point with our health and development, and this is the best move for our team this year.”

Gannon’s decision marks a shift from previous preseasons, where he largely kept starters sidelined to minimize injury risk.

Notable Camp Visitors

The Chiefs’ practice this week drew attention from several notable football figures. Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens attended Thursday’s session. Owens played two seasons under Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the coach said he enjoys watching former players’ growth.

Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce also visited training camp, spending time with Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The two have been longtime friends, and Spagnuolo joked about possibly asking Pierce for insider Raiders information.

Injury Updates

Kansas City’s roster health is improving as the preseason begins. Cornerback Kristian Fulton, recovering from a knee injury, was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and participated in individual drills. Linebacker Drue Tranquill also returned to practice after dealing with a back issue.

Game Outlook

Saturday night’s matchup in Arizona will offer both teams a chance to evaluate key position battles, test new schemes, and get starters accustomed to live-game speed before the regular season. While the risk of injury is always present, Reid and Gannon share the belief that controlled preseason action can be a valuable step in player development.

The Chiefs, three-time defending AFC champions, will enter the game focused on fine-tuning their offensive line and assessing depth across the roster. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will look to build chemistry with a healthy starting unit and measure progress under Gannon’s leadership.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with both coaching staffs expected to carefully manage player workloads while still giving fans a glimpse of their top talent in action.