Mahomes Eyes Regular Season Return, Skips Bucs Game

Patrick Mahomes, recovering from a torn ACL and LCL, was not active for the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. This decision by coach Andy Reid allows for continued evaluation of the roster before the regular season begins. Mahomes has been cleared for full football activities and has been participating in practice as he works his way back to game readiness.

Mahomes expressed a desire to play against the Buccaneers but acknowledged the decision rested with the coaching staff. He hopes to participate in the next preseason game, indicating his strong recovery trajectory. The quarterback is "extremely confident" he will be ready for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, a sentiment echoed by the team's progress reports. The Chiefs have utilized other quarterbacks like Justin Fields during the preseason as Mahomes' availability for the regular season opener depends on the final clearance from the team's medical and coaching personnel.