Andy Reid sounded increasingly doubtful that Patrick Mahomes will take the field in the Chiefs’ preseason opener, and he didn’t exactly leave much room for optimism.
With Kansas City set to host the L.A. Rams at Arrowhead on August 15, Reid said the plan is trending toward sitting his starting quarterback - not just for that game, but maybe beyond it. “there's a pretty good chance that I don't play him.”
Reid expanded on that thinking after practice, making it clear the Chiefs want more work for the quarterbacks behind Mahomes. “The percentages are leaning that way, and I don't know if I'll play him in the second or the third game.
But the percentages likely lean against doing that. We've got other guys in those positions behind him that need some work, and so the more reps they get, the better.”
Friday’s padded session in St. Joseph came with the usual camp competition, but also the usual complication: bodies were missing.
Trey Smith was out, and Reid said the Pro Bowl right guard was dealing with a hip issue. The team sent him to a specialist as a precaution, and Reid said, “Trey, his hip was bothering him.
We sent him to a specialist just to get it checked out. Precautionary.
He's gonna be okay.”
Smith’s absence forced a shuffle on the right side of the line. Rookie Kahlil Benson moved inside from right tackle, where he had been working all week, and veteran Jaylon Moore took over at tackle. The rest of the first unit stayed intact with Josh Simmons at left tackle, Kingsley Suamataia at left guard and Creed Humphrey at center.
There was better news elsewhere. Cyrus Allen was back in pads after missing time since last Saturday, when he collided with cornerback Kaiir Elam in special teams work and came away with a shin bruise.
The fifth-round pick had already avoided a major injury, and now he’s healthy enough to return just a week before the preseason opener. That’s a welcome development after the way he flashed early in camp.
Reid called the day “very productive,” and he also pointed to progress from Rashee Rice and Mansoor Delane as both continue pushing toward full strength.
Xavier Worthy, though, remained sidelined after injuring his shoulder when he landed awkwardly while making a catch. He has now missed the same amount of time as Allen.
The Chiefs also kept linebackers Drue Tranquill and Jeffrey Bassa out after both were limited by issues on Thursday. Tranquill is dealing with back spasms, the same preseason problem he had a year ago, while Bassa’s groin strain appears to be the bigger concern when it comes to getting reps. Veteran or not, Tranquill can wait; Bassa needs the work.
Elsewhere, defensive backs Kristian Fulton and L'Jarius Sneed, along with defensive linemen Ashton Gillotte and Omarr Norman-Lott, were not participating in drills.
In Other News...
Chiefs Stars Patrick Mahomes And Travis Kelce Face New Off-Field Fight
A new off-field dispute has landed around Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs stars face a lawsuit tied to the name of their steakhouse restaurant. The case, filed by 1587 Sneakers, centers on the use of 1587, a number closely associated with the two players, and it puts an unusual business-side wrinkle on what has been one of the more visible ventures attached to Kansas Citys biggest names.
At the heart of the complaint is a disagreement over how much control Kelce and Mahomes really have over the project. The plaintiffs say the players are downplaying their involvement, while the restaurants website presents 1587 Prime as a collaboration between the teammates and Noble 33. For now, the case is ongoing, and the broader fight over branding, naming rights and merchandise is still playing out. [Read more 🡒]
Mahomes And Kelce Just Got Dragged Deeper Into Restaurant Legal Fight
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelces move into the restaurant world was supposed to be another sign of how far their 1587 Prime steakhouse brand could stretch beyond the field. Instead, the September 2025 opening has quickly turned into a federal trademark dispute, with 1587 Sneakers suing over the restaurant name and pushing the issue into a much more public spotlight than either star likely wanted.
The latest court filings have only sharpened the fight, as the plaintiffs are challenging the idea that Mahomes and Kelce are detached from day-to-day control of the business. With the legal back-and-forth still active, the name on the door remains at the center of a case that could shape how the restaurant is viewed while both sides line up their next arguments. [Read more 🡒]
Felix Anudike-Uzomah Suddenly Has Real Stakes In Chiefs Camp
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is back in the mix at Chiefs camp, and the early signs are encouraging. After a lost season, the defensive end is healthy again and getting first-team reps, a notable development for a player the staff still needs to sort into the long-term pass-rush picture. Andy Reid has offered positive feedback on his progress, and George Karlaftis has also praised the work ethic that has shown up through the opening stages of camp.
The stakes around Anudike-Uzomah are bigger now than they were a year ago, because every rep matters for a player trying to turn promise into a clearer role. Kansas City has reason to keep watching closely as camp continues, not just for what he can do right now, but for what he might mean to the defense moving forward. [Read more 🡒]